The Relationship between the Mechanical and Diffusing Properties of the Lung in Health and Disease1, 2

Résumé fourni par la source

In comparison with the many studies made of the mechanical and diffusing properties of the lungs, both in health and disease, there have been few attempts to examine the interrelationships of these functions. The published data on this subject concern patients with chronic obstructive chest disease in whom it has been shown that the maximal diffusing capacity for oxygen bears a relationship to the static compliance (1) but not to the flow-resistive properties of the lung as reflected by maximal breathing capacity (2) and maximal midexpiratory flow rate (3). The present study was undertaken to make a more systematic investigation of the interrelationship of these properties of the lung in health and disease. In particular, emphasis was put on those mechanical properties thought to depend on the integrity and extent of the alveolar surface which is also the site of gas diffusion in the lung. Rigorous clinical and roentgenologic criteria were used in the selection of cases so that these could be categorized with as much certainty as possible into one of four groups: normal, asthma or allergic bronchospasm, emphysema, and fibrosis. In this way it was thought that a secondary object of the study could be achieved, namely, to define the relative value of different physiologic measurements (in particular those of the mechanical properties of the lung) in the differentiation of these disease entities.

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