pulmonary function tests

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • ventilation/perfusion inequality - increased flow to the upper regions of the lung when the patient is upright. This is the opposite response to that seen in a normal individual and is the result of pulmonary arteriolar vasoconstriction in response to raised pulmonary venous pressure, which causes reduced perfusion of the basal regions of the lung.
  • reduced vital capacity, forced expiratory flow rate and forced expiratory volume. Dynamic lung compliance is reduced.