Clinical significance of an isolated reduction in residual volume

To determine the significance of an isolated reduction in residual volume (RV), the medical records and chest radiographs of 69 patients who had a RV less than or equal to 65% of predicted and normal VC, DLCO, and expiratory flow rates were reviewed. Sixty-three of 69 patients (92%) had clinical conditions that could account for their decreased RV. Definite disease was considered to be present in the 39 patients with radiographically apparent parenchymal (n = 18) or chest wall (n = 21) abnormalities, whereas 24 others with clinical diagnoses such as congestive heart failure or toxic inhalation were considered to have probable disease. All patients who had a RV below 50% of predicted had either definite or probable disease. Follow-up testing of 19 patients 31 +/- 21 months after their initial reduction in RV was first documented indicated that the RV accurately reflected the patient's current clinical status in that it increased by 17 +/- 16% of predicted in those who were clinically improved and decreased by 27 +/- 7% in those who were clinically worse. In patients who were clinically stable, the isolated reduction in RV was a persistent finding. We conclude that an isolated reduction in RV is a clinically significant finding indicative of pulmonary or chest wall disease. Interval changes in RV reflect alterations in disease activity.