Lung volumes and pulmonary gas exchange after coarctectomy

Ventilatory lung function and pulmonary gas exchange were assessed during rest and exercise up to the maximal level in nineteen males aged 16-28 years, eleven years after surgery for coarctation of the aorta. Compared to the normal Swedish standards, the lung volumes indicated a restrictive impairment of lung function. However, the age range in this series of patients is outside the age range of reference values for both children and adults. When the effect of age on the lung volumes was allowed for they were found to be less restrictive. Pulmonary gas exchange was normal at rest and during maximal exercise. Thus, the aortic malformation and the thoracotomy did not lead to any marked impairment of lung function.