Hypoventilation is defined as ventilation below that which is needed to maintain adequate gas exchange. It can be a feature in lung diseases as diverse as chronic bronchitis and pulmonary fibrosis …
During this last week I was contacted by two different individuals who were asking for help in understanding their PFT results. In both cases they had a markedly elevated TLC and the interpretation…
A low FEV1/VC ratio is the primary indication for airway obstruction. The ATS/ERS statement on interpretation says “The VC, FEV1, FEV1/VC ratio and TLC are the basic parameters used to properly int…
One of the more recognizable flow-volume loop contours is the one associated with severe airway obstruction. Specifically, this type of loop shows an abrupt decrease in flow rate following the peak…
Dozens of articles have been written about the correlation between different abnormal flow-volume loop contours and pulmonary disorders. In contrast very little has ever been written about what con…
Recently my lab has had some turnover with a couple of older staff leaving and new staff coming on board. While reviewing reports I’ve found a number of instances where the incorrect FVC and …
Recently a report came across my desk from a patient being seen in the Tracheomalacia Clinic. The clinic is jointly operated by Cardio-Thoracic Surgery and Interventional Pulmonology and among othe…
Everyone uses the FEV1/FVC ratio as the primary factor in determining the presence or absence of airway obstruction but there are differences of opinion about what value of FEV1/FVC should be used …
This relatively odd DLCO testing error came across my desk today. Although it’s fairly unusual it brings up some interesting points about how the Breath-Holding Time (BHT) is determined and w…
This idea originates, as far as I know, from Michael Sims, president and CEO of NspireHealth. I got it second hand and suspect that it is a small part of a larger presentation but this one point is…
