[Course and quantitative evaluation of the lung involvement in cystic fibrosis]

On the basis of clinical observations the course of pulmonary involvement in cystic fibrosis is studied, and an attempt at classification into three severity groups is made. Clinical and radiological findings, quantified by special scores, are presented and correlations between scores and lung function data are demonstrated. Although respiratory function tests - in particular the ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity (RV/TLC) - correlate with the clinical and chest radiographic scores, division into three severity degrees is only reliable for groups of patients. In the individual patient the clinical, radiological and lung function findings must be taken into account together. Assessment according to a scoring system may be helpful.