[Function of external respiration in patients with systemic scleroderma (according to roentgenopneumopolygraphic data)]

External respiratory function was investigated in 33 patients with systemic scleroderma+ using roentgenopneumopolygraphy (RPPG). Respiratory changes consisted in diffuse and regional ventilation disturbance (after emphysematous, hypoventilation or mixed type), disorders of respiratory kinetics of the diaphragm, ribs and mediastinum. External respiratory functional disturbance showed direct correlation with the patients' age, period of disease and a degree of pathological activity. The type of external respiratory functional disturbance was unchanged during observation over time. The use of exercise testing showed the presence of signs of latent ventilation insufficiency in most of the patients.