Carbon Monoxide Diffusion Test Research Articles

Impact on pulmonary, cardiac, and renal function and long-term quality of life after hospitalization for acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19: Protocol of the Post-COVID Brazil 3 study.

Evidence about long-term sequelae after hospitalization for acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 is still scarce. To evaluate changes in pulmonary, cardiac, and renal function and in quality of life after hospitalization for acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to COVID-19. This will be a multicenter case-control study of 220 participants. Eligible are patients who are hospitalized for acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19. In the control group, individuals with no history of hospitalization in the last 12 months or long-term symptoms of COVID-19 will be selected. All individuals will be subjected to pulmonary spirometry with a carbon monoxide diffusion test, chest tomography, cardiac and renal magnetic resonance imaging with gadolinium, ergospirometry, serum and urinary creatinine, total protein, and urinary microalbuminuria, in addition to quality-of-life questionnaires. Patients will be evaluated 12 months after hospital discharge, and controls will be evaluated within 90 days of inclusion in the study. For all the statistical analyses, p < 0.05 is the threshold for significance. The primary outcome of the study will be the pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide measured after 12 months. The other parameters of pulmonary, cardiac, and renal function and quality of life are secondary outcomes. This study aims to determine the long-term sequelae of pulmonary, cardiac, and renal function and the quality of life of patients hospitalized for acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 in the Brazilian population.

DTPA clearance test: a sensitive method for detecting radiation-induced lung fibrosis in lung cancer patients.

The aim of this study is to analyze the frequency of lung injury and the sensitivity of the diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA) clearance test in detecting lung injury in patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) to the thorax. Twenty individuals scheduled for RT for lung cancer were included as the patient group. The healthy control group consisted of 20 age and gender-matched individuals who were nonsmokers with no history of comorbidities. We conducted follow-up with patients at 0-1-6 months, performing carbon monoxide diffusion test (DLCO), DTPA clearance test (excluding the first month), and high-resolution computed tomography of the thorax. The control group was followed up with DLCO between the baseline and 6th months. Ninety percent of the patient group was male, and the median age was 62 years. Seventy percent of the patients had squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Pneumonitis was detected in the patient group in the first month (100%) and fibrosis in the sixth month (%100) Both at the beginning and in the sixth month, the DLCO values of patients who received RT were lower than those of the control group ( P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). While DTPA clearance was similar between irradiated and non-radiated lungs at the beginning, there was a substantial decrease in the irradiated lung in the sixth month( P = 0.001). There was no significant correlation between malignancy type, RT dose, and tumor size( P > 0.05). The DTPA clearance test could be an alternative method for demonstrating radiation injury in patients receiving RT.

Impact of Innovative Treatment Using Biological Drugs for the Modulation of Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: A Systematic Review.

Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease affecting the connective tissue, characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. There is currently no curative treatment available, so therapeutic action is aimed at a symptomatic treatment of the affected organs. The development of biotechnology has made it possible to implement certain biological drugs that could represent a window of opportunity to modulate the evolution and symptomatology of scleroderma with greater efficacy and less toxicity than conventional treatments. This study aimed to review the current evidence critically and systematically on the effects of biological drugs on the pulmonary function, skin disease, and health status of patients afflicted by diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Three electronic databases (Pubmed, Dialnet, and Cochrane Library Plus) were systematically searched until the cut-off date of October 2022. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and included original articles in English and Spanish with a controlled trial design, comparing biological drug treatments (tocilizumab, belimumab, riociguat, abatacept, and romilkimab) with a control group. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the McMaster quantitative form and the PEDro scale. A total of 383 studies were identified, 6 of them met the established criteria and were included in the present systematic review. A total of 426 patients treated with tocilizumab, belimumab, riociguat, abatacept, and romilkimab were included. The results showed substantial non-significant (p < 0.05) improvement trends after treatment with the biological drugs included in this review for the modified Rodnan Scale Value, Forced Vital Capacity, and Carbon Monoxide Diffusion Test; however, no benefits were shown on the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index when compared to the control group. Biological drugs, therefore, maybe a new therapeutic strategy for dcSSc and could be recommended as an additional and/or adjunctive treatment that promotes anti-fibrotic activity. This review could further define the clinical rationale for the use of biologics in the treatment of dcSSc and could provide key details on the study protocol, design, and outcome reporting.

Interstitial lung disease in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a cohort study.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with a variety of organ/system involvement. Respiratory system involvement is common in these patients and usually manifests itself by disorders of the lung parenchyma, pleura, pulmonary vasculature or diaphragm. In this study, we sought to determine the frequency of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with SLE and associated risk factors. Three hundred randomly chosen patients with SLE were included. Chest x-ray (CXR), lung spirometry and carbon monoxide diffusion test (DLCO) were performed. High-resolution thorax computed tomography (HRCT) was performed for a definite diagnosis of ILD. . Of 300 patients, 16% had ILD. At the start of the study, the prevalence obtained from the patients' records showed that 4% had ILD. The median age, mean duration of disease, and follow-up time were significantly higher and longer in patients with ILD compared to patients without (p < 0.05). Forced expiratory volume (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), DLCO and total lung capacity (TLC) were significantly lower in patients with ILD (p < 0.001). Patients with ILD had a significantly higher frequency of arthritis, serositis, Raynaud's phenomenon, myositis, and anti-Scl70 positivity (p = 0.01, 0.001, 0.02, 0.004, and 0.001, respectively). A significantly higher number of patients had stopped using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in the ILD group (p = 0.04).

Increased frequency of obstructive sleep apnea in the patients with systemic sclerosis

Sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), profoundly affect quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of OSA in patients with SSc and the factors affecting OSA. Consecutive patients with SSc lung involvement who were referred to the "Outpatient Service for Interstitial Lung Disease" in our university hospital between 2015 and 2017 were included in the study. All patients completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and underwent examination including body mass index (BMI), measurement of waist circumference, upper respiratory tract examination, and polysomnography (PSG). Spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusion test (DLCO), and 6-min walking distance were also performed. Of 38 patients, mean age 51.3 ± 11.6 years, 35 were women (92%). Mean apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) was 11 ± 15 (median 5.5) and prevalence of OSA was 58%. Mild OSA was found in 13 (34%) of patients, moderate OSA in 6 (16%), and severe OSA in 3 (8%). Significant relationships were found between age (p = 0.02), waist circumference (p = 0.01), presence of witnessed apneas (p = 0.005), and presence of OSA. Compared with the general population, the prevalence of OSA is increased in women with SSc. Patients with older age, those with increased waist circumference, and those reporting witnessed apneas should be studied for OSA.

Thoracic ultrasonography in the evaluation of lung parenchyma in interstitial lung diseases

PURPOSE: The changes due to interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) in the lung parenchyma reveal comet tail artifact (CTA) that is defined on ultrasonography (USG), and is a type of reverberation artifact. We planned to investigate the significance of thoracic USG in the evaluation of the effect of ILD on pulmonary tissues in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with ILD, and the control group between January 2016 and December 2017, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) findings (the severity and extension scores for HRCT), pulmonary function tests, and pulmonary function tests and carbon monoxide diffusion test (PFT-DLCO) findings of all patients were recorded. Then, the number of CTAs detected on thoracic USG was recorded by a different pulmonologist. The data of the two groups were compared with each other. RESULTS: Thirty-six (50.7%) patients and 35 (49.3%) healthy controls were included in the study. The mean number of CTA in the control group was 25 ± 6.4 while the number of CTA in the ILD group was 68.3 ± 16.2 (P CONCLUSION: Thoracic USG may be a good diagnostic tool for diseases that commonly involve the lung interstitium such as ILD.

Relation of Warrick Score and Polysomnographic Parameters in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease.

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is often reported in connection with interstitial lung disease. As yet, there is insufficient data on the association of OSA severity parameters with lung involvement. We purposed to assess the frequency of OSA in our study group and to investigate the relationship between radiological involvement and OSA severity parameters.Material/MethodsThe study included 79 patients with interstitial lung disease who underwent spirometry, a carbon monoxide diffusion test (DLCO), high-resolution computed tomography, and polysomnography. The data were analyzed using SPSS 22 software.ResultsOf the 79 patients, 53 patients (67.1%) had OSA, and there was a negative correlation between DLCO and the mean time spent with oxygen saturation levels below 90% (r=−0.686, P=0.001). The Warrick score was used as an indicator of the extent and severity of pulmonary involvement and was positively correlated with the apnea-hypopnea index, oxygen desaturation index, and the mean time spent with oxygen saturation below 90% (r=0.275, P=0.014; r=0.264 P=0.019; r=0.235, P=0.038).ConclusionsIn our study, a significant relationship was found between the Warrick score and the OSA severity parameters, as determined by polysomnography. Polysomnographic examinations might be useful, especially in patients with a Warrick score greater than 15, to avoid possible complications.

Assessment of 18F-FDG uptake in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: influence of lung density changes

BackgroundIdiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and irreversible disease leading to terminal respiratory insufficiency. Fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]-FDG) PET/CT has been proposed to track the activity of the disease. However, IPF is characterized by regional changes in lung density that affects the FDG uptake, a factor generally not taken into account in previous studies. In this work, we studied the relationship between severity of IPF and lung uptake of [18F]-FDG, evaluated by mean and maximum standardized uptake value (SUV), corrected (SUVmean-corr; SUVmax-corr) and uncorrected for lung density (SUVmean-uncorr; SUVmax-uncorr).Methods[18F]-FDG PET/CT was performed in 31 IPF patients between 2013 and 2017. Lung density was determined on CT. SUV values were correlated with lung function tests, carbon monoxide diffusion (DLCO) and 6-min walking test (6MWT) at baseline and at 1 year. Correlation with the GAP index, a well-validated prognostic score in IPF, was also determined.ResultsAt baseline, SUVmean-uncorr was highly correlated with lung density (r = 0.755; p < 0.001). SUVmean-uncorr and lung density were correlated with lung function tests (vital capacity (VC): p = 0.013 and p = 0.003; forced vital capacity (FVC): p = 0.004 and p = 0.001; total lung capacity (TLC): p = 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively), while SUVmean-corr was not (VC: p = 0.733; FVC: p = 0.667; TLC: p = 0.382). Interestingly, SUVmean-corr was significantly higher in patients with a GAP index of 3 (p = 0.005), and negatively correlated with DLCO (r = − 0.398; p = 0.026) and desaturation during the 6MWT (r = − 0.401; p = 0.024). But no correlation was found with changes in lung function tests, walk distance and DLCO at 1 year.ConclusionTo evaluate the role of ([18F]-FDG) PET/CT in IPF, correction for lung density appears necessary. As suggested by the correlation with DLCO, density-corrected SUV seems related to the intrinsic disease activity and particularly to the integrity of the alveolar-capillary barrier. However, ([18F]-FDG) PET/CT has probably a limited prognostic value as no correlation was found between SUVmean-corr and the clinical evolution at 1 year. Further studies with a longer follow-up are warranted.

Exhaled Nitric Oxide and Exhaled Breath Temperature as Potential Biomarkers in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive fatal disease thus, noninvasive prognostic tools are needed to follow these patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and exhaled breath temperature (EBT) values in patients with PH from different causes and to correlate them with respiratory functional data. Methods Twenty-four PH patients underwent spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusion (DLCO) test, transthoracic echocardiography, right-heart catheterization, and FeNO and EBT measurements. Results We studied 3 groups according to the type of PH: 10 patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) (group A), 11 patients with PH due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (group B), and 3 patients with PH associated with left heart disease (group C). Mean FeNO values tend to be higher in group B (15.0 ± 9.3ppb) compared with other groups (respectively, 9.9 ± 5.7 and 8.5 ± 5.2 ppb in groups A and C; p = 0.271) but no statistical significance has been reached. Mean values of alveolar NO concentration (CANO) were higher in groups A and B compared to group C (respectively, 16.9 ± 12.6; 13.9 ± 6.8; and 6.7 ± 2.0 ppb) (p = 0.045). EBT mean values were significantly lower in group C when compared with other groups (group C: 29.0 +- 1.3°C, groups A and B: 30.9 ± 1.3 and 31.2 ± 1.2°C, respectively: p = 0.041). EBT levels were inversely correlated to mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAPm) levels (Spearman coefficient -0.481; p = 0.017). Conclusions eNO, CANO, and EBT have been evaluated in three groups of PH patients. Interestingly EBT reduction was correlated with PAPm increase, whereas FeNO was higher in COPD patients and CANO in PAH and COPD groups. Further studies are needed to clarify EBT, FeNO, and CANO roles as biomarkers in the monitoring of patients with PH.

Effect of reduction mammoplasty on the pulmonary function tests.

Bilateral breast reduction surgery is the surgical treatment of bilateral breast hypertrophy. This is one of the most common breast surgery requested by women, and performed by plastic surgeons. The reasons that patients want this surgery are to re-size sagging breasts aesthetically, and to get rid of somatic symptoms such as shoulder, chest, back, and neck pain. We believe that the objective positive effects of breast reduction surgery exist beside aesthetic. In our study, our aim is to elicit positive effects of surgery on lungs, if there are, by making pulmonary function test and carbon monoxide diffusion test before surgery and after 6 months of surgery. Thirty patients agreed to participate in the study. Study is completed with 19 patients. Pulmonary function test and carbon monoxide diffusion test were made to all patients in preoperative and 6 months of postoperative period. Lung roentgenogram of all patients was performed and height, weight, body mass index were measured. Saturation level was measured. There was a meaningful increase in FEV1 and FVC values in the postoperative period in comparison with pulmonary function test performed in preoperative period. DLCO in postoperative period decreased meaningfully as compared to the preoperative period. Breast reduction surgery seems to have positive effects on pulmonary function test values and relaxes patients clinically. Patients with big breasts should be evaluated from this perspective if they apply chest diseases clinic with shortness of breath.

New aspect for systemic effects of COPD: eye findings.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has multisystemic implications and comorbidities. Hypoxia and systemic inflammation are thought to involve oculary structures. In this study, our aim is to evaluate retinal nerve fiber and choroidal thickness and retinal vessel diameter using the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in COPD subjects. Forty-three subjects diagnosed with COPD according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria at the Pulmonology Department of Pamukkale University were enrolled in the study. All subjects underwent respiratory function testing and a carbon monoxide diffusion test. To determine hypoxic state, arterial blood gas analysis was performed. The control group consisted of 31 subjects with comparable age and gender distribution. All participants underwent a standard ophthalmic examination including visual acuity assessment, biomicroscopy, air-puff tonometry, indirect retinoscopy, and SD-OCT measurements. The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), foveal thickness, and retinal arteriolar caliber were found to be similar in both groups, while the mean retinal venular caliber value was markedly higher in the COPD group. The mean peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was 100.2±11.8 µm in the COPD group and 105.6 ± 8.1 µm in the control group (P = .03). The inferior quadrant RNFL was significantly thinner in the COPD group. The results of this study showed increasing diameter of the retinal veins, thinning of the RNFL, and SFCT may be associated to chronic inflammation and hypoxia in subjects with COPD. Future guidelines may include ocular findings to the present systemic manifestations of COPD.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension and Systemic Sclerosis Relation: A Single Centre Experience

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), this single-centre study aimed to define the frequency and association of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), occurring either alone in SSc-PAH or together with interstitial lung disease (ILD-PH). SSc cases between the years 1990-2011 were reviewed, retrospectively. Patients' clinical, laboratory findings, Modified Rodnan Skin Score and Medsger score, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), carbon monoxide diffusion test (DLCO), echocardiography, thorax HRCT, and right heart catheterisation findings were recorded. One hundred and forty-one cases (F/M:124/17, diffuse cutaneous SSc (DcSSc)/limited cutaneous SSc (LcSSc): 84/57) were included in the study with the mean age of 52.70±15.17 years and disease duration of 107.07±99.44 months. PaO₂, FEV1 and FVC were lower in DcSSc (p<0.05) as compared to LcSSc, but DLCO and 6MWD did not differ significantly, between the two forms. Ground glass opacity (64.7%) and interlobular septal thickening (58.8%) were the most frequent findings on HRCT of such subjects. PAH was detected in 34 subjects (24.1%). Seven of them had SSc associated PAH (SSc-PAH) and 27 ILD-PH. Both frequencies were similar between DcSSc and LcSSc. Mean sPAP was higher in SSc-PAH. PAH was observed in approximately one fourth of patients; therefore advanced cardio-pulmonary investigation should be routinely performed in the SSc patients' management.

Alveolar Gas Exchange and Pulmonary Functions in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus.

The incidence of diabetes is increasing tremendously throughout the world especially in the developing countries. This disease affects various organs like eyes, nerves, kidneys and the heart. In this study, we investigated whether lungs are also one of the target organs of diabetes mellitus or not. To assess the pulmonary function parameters including alveolar gas exchange in patients with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus and to find the influence of hyperglycaemia and duration of diabetes. This cross sectional study involved 30 type II diabetic patients of age 30-60 years attending the diabetic outpatient department of SRM Medical College & Research Centre and 30 age and sex matched non-diabetic subjects as controls. The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels, pulmonary function parameters such as Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), Forced Expiratory Volume Percentage (FEV1 /FVC), Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR), Forced Expiratory Flow (25 - 75%), Peak Inspiratory flow ( PIF), Forced Inspiratory Vital Capacity ( FIVC), Total Lung Capacity ( TLC),Diffusing capacity of lung for carbon monoxide( DLCO) were measured for all the participants using Easyone Pro computerised spirometer. DLCO was measured by single breath Carbon Monoxide (CO) diffusion test. The alveolar membrane permeability was assessed by evaluating the ratio of DLCO to Alveolar Ventilation (VA). The pulmonary function parameters FVC, FEV1, PEFR, PIF, FIVC, TLC , DLCO and DLCO/VA were significantly low (p<0.05) in patients with type II diabetes mellitus when compared to control group. The DLCO and DLCO/VA were significantly lower (p<0.05) in patients with poor glycemic control(HbA1c > 7). We conclude that the pulmonary function parameters like FVC, FEV1, PEFR, PIF, FIVC, TLC and alveolar gas exchange were significantly reduced in patients with type II diabetes. The patients with Type II diabetes mellitus had a restrictive pattern of respiratory abnormality. The patients with poor glycaemic control( HbA1c > 7) had reduced alveolar diffusion which was not dependent on the duration of diabetes. The impaired respiratory function may give way for the development of pulmonary complications. Spirometry can be used as a screening tool among diabetics as an early preventive measure.

Relation between pulmonary function and 10-year risk for cardiovascular disease among healthy men and women in Italy: the Moli-sani Project

Pulmonary dysfunction could influence the onset and the evolution of cardiovascular disorders. This study evaluated whether pulmonary dysfunction based on spirometry, plethysmography and carbon monoxide diffusion test is associated with the estimated risk of cardiovascular disease in 10 years. We performed a cross-sectional general population-based cohort study. The Moli-sani Project is a population-based cohort study of subjects aged ≥35 years, randomly recruited from the general population in Italy. Cardiovascular risk in 10 years was predicted by the CUORE score which provides an estimate of the probability of a first coronary or cerebrovascular event in the next 10 years, based on a risk equation derived from Italian cohorts. Out of 12,933 subjects with high-quality flow/volume manoeuvre, 8,132 subjects had suitable plethysmography and 3,422 carbon monoxide diffusion (carbon monoxide alveolar diffusion test [DLCO]). In multivariate analyses, reduced pulmonary function expressed by forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and total lung capacity (TLC) were inversely associated with CUORE score both in men and in women, independently of other risk factors such as age, height, smoking habits, total cigarettes exposure (pack-years), pulmonary disease, body mass index, social status and physical activity. In contrast, there was no association between FEV1/FVC ratio, residual volume, DLCO and CUORE risk score. In both genders from an adult general Italian population, pulmonary function decline is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. These results suggest that pulmonary monitoring could be useful to more accurately predict cardiovascular risk.

The Eveluation of Pulmonary Functions in Children with Sickle Cell Anemia.

Abstract 4628 AimIn this study we evaluated to pulmonary functions and determined relations of these findings with clinical parameters in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) who were at follow up in our pediatric heamatology clinic. Materials and Methods24 children with sickle cell anemia and 9 healthy children as control group include to the study. Complete blood count, hemoglobin electrophoresis and biochemical values were eveluated for both groups. At pulmonology department, the carbonmonoxide diffusion test performing for both groups. At the same day spirometric respiratory function evaluation and exercise test performed both groups at department of sports physiology. The data recieved are compared statistics. ResultsHbS, HbF, SGPT, ferritin, total bilirubine, direkt bilirubine and Fe++ values were high at patient group (p<0.05). Hemoglobin and hematocrit values were low at patient group according to control group as expected (p<0.05). The number of SCA patient who had one-three venoocclusive crises (VOC) were 14 (58.3%), patient who had three or more VOC were 7 (29.2%) and patient who had no VOC were 3 (12.5%). The number of patient who had acute chest syndrome (ACS) were 5 (20.9%) and 19 patients had no ACS (79.1%). Ýmpaired isole carbonmonoxide diffusion test was established at the 62.5% of the patient's. At patient group, spirometric FEV1 and MEF25 measurement were found lower than the control group (p<0.05). At exercise test VO2/HR rate were lower for patient group (p<0.05). VE/VO2 rate (p=0.023) and R (p=0.016) measurement were found higher. ConclusionPulmonary gas transfer was found difficult in patients with SCA. Respiratory airways established obstructed in spirometric evaluation. Obstructive defficiensies have to be follow up. Oxygen pulse and respiratory exchange rates were determined low and more oxygen usage was observed for aerobic metabolic activity. With these results, ýt can be say that chronic inflamation process at lung due to oxygen radicals and hipoksemia in sickle cell patients, the aerobic respiratory load was increased. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

The Assessment of Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity in Diabetes Mellitus with Regard to Microalbuminuria

The current study was conducted to determine whether or not the lung is one of the target organs in the development of vascular complications in diabetic patients. We also investigated the relationship between pulmonary diffusing capacity and microalbuminuria. A total of 68 patients with type 2 diabetes and 44 with type 1 diabetes (male/female [M/F] n=19/49 and 15/29; age: 52.4+/-8.8 and 32.5+/-11 years;) and 80 healthy controls (M/F=22/58; age=40.1+/-12.4 years) were recruited for the study. All of the participants were evaluated with simple spirometric tests and a simple breath carbon monoxide (CO) diffusion test. CO lung diffusion capacity (DLCO) and the ratio of DLCO value to the alveolar volume (VA) were used to assess alveolar membrane permeability (DLCO/VA). Urinary albumin excretion (UAE) per day of the participants was also evaluated. DLCO, DLCO% and DLCO/VA% values were significantly lower in diabetics than in the control group (p=0.006; p=0.039; p=0.003, respectively). UAE was inversely correlated with DLCO, DLCO/VA, DLCO/VA% and DLCO% (p=0.050; p=<0.001; p=0.001; p=0.004, respectively). This study demonstrated that alveolar gas exchange capacity is significantly decreased in diabetic patients. Microalbuminuria may be one of the predictors of this decline.

Alveolar gas exchange in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The present study has been conducted to quantify and compare the capacity of gas exchange in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and healthy controls and also to investigate the effects of various factors on alveolar capillary permeability. A total of 37 subjects, 25 patients with DM and 12 healthy controls were recruited for the study. All the participants were evaluated with simple spirometric tests and simple breath carbonmonoxide (CO) diffusion test (DLCO). The ratio of DLCO value to the alveolar ventilation (VA) was used to assess alveolar membrane permeability. Diabetic patients were also evaluated in detail with respect to degenerative diabetic complications including the presence of microalbuminuria, advanced nephropathy, sensorial and autonomic neuropathy, retinopathy, hypertension and macrovascular disease. The results of simple spirometric tests which determined lung capacity were similar in the diabetic patients and the healthy controls. Ratio of DLCO/VA, which determines alveolar membrane permeability, revealed statistically significant decline in pulmonary gas exchange in the diabetic group (p: 0.037). Pearson correlation analysis revealed statistically significant correlation between duration of diabetes mellitus, age and urinary albumin excretion with DLCO/VA values (Pearson: -0.726, p: 0.001; Pearson: -0.438, p: 0.036; Pearson: -0.472, p: 0.023 respectively). This study demonstrated the decreased alveolar gas exchange capacity in diabetic patients compared with healthy controls. Detrimental effects of DM on alveolar capillaries were found to be correlated with age, duration of DM and urinary albumin excretion. Microalbuminuria was the only significant predictor of DLCO/VA.

The Effect of Renal Transplantation on Pulmonary Function

In patients with chronic renal failure, mechanical and hemodynamic changes could occur in the lungs without obvious pulmonary symptoms and findings and their effects could pave the way to pulmonary functional disorders. In this study, pulmonary functional disorders and especially alveolocapillary defects, which are frequently seen in uremia, were determined in renal transplanted patients. Pulmonary functions and diffusion capacity were assessed in uremic patients (n = 20) and in successfully transplanted patients (n = 20) without any lung disease or pulmonary edema symptoms and findings. Patients were selected randomly among outpatients who were followed up in a Nephrology and Transplantation Unit. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), and peak expiratory flow (PEF_25–75) were measured. Single breath carbon monoxide diffusion test and diffusion lung capacity adjusted for hemoglobin concentration (DLAdj) were done. The means of the spirometric values such as FVC, FEV₁ and FEV₁/FVC were normal in the nondialyzed uremic group, but the PEF_25–75 value (68.7%) and diffusion capacity (DLAdj 72.7%) were found to be slightly low. There were 2 patients with normal values and 18 patients with some functional abnormalities in this nondialyzed uremic group. The means of all spirometric parameters and diffusion capacities were found to be normal in the transplanted group. There were 7 patients with normal function and 13 patients with some functional abnormalities in this transplanted group. When the nondialyzed uremic group and the transplanted group were compared statistically, significant differences were found between their spirometric values (except for FVC) and their diffusion capacities. Even though the uremic patients did not show any symptoms, their pulmonary function tests, especially diffusion capacity, were found to be disturbed. Although the transplanted patients as a group had normal mean spirometric values and diffusion capacity there were nevertheless many individual transplanted patients with defective diffusion capacity and abnormal spirometric values.

99Tcm-MAA lung scintigraphy in patients with Behçet's disease: its value and correlation with clinical course and other diagnostic modalities.

Behçet's disease, initially described as local vasculitis involving the oral, genital mucosa and eyes, can affect many organ systems with a varying clinical course. Pulmonary lesions associated with Behçet's disease are rare and reported to have a prevalence of 1.0-7.7%. In this prospective study, 29 patients aged 16-60 years (mean +/- s: 34 +/- 10.5) were investigated for pulmonary involvement with direct radiography, computerized tomography (CT) and intravenous digital subtraction angiography. Lung scintigraphy was also performed to determine its diagnostic value. In addition, patients had a fibreoptic bronchoscopic examination, spirometric test, carbon monoxide diffusion test and methacholine test. Of the 29 patients with Behçet's disease, 17 had pulmonary involvement. The diagnostic criteria for pulmonary vasculitis and tracheobronchial tree involvement were: (1) hilar vascular prominence or mass, new alveolar and reticulonodular infiltrates on chest X-ray; (2) aphthous lesions, bleeding ulcerations, inflamed mucosal appearance on bronchoscopy; (3) vascular thrombosis or aneurysms on CT; (4) occlusion or aneurysms of the main pulmonary arteries or its branches. The value of lung scintigraphy and its correlation with other imaging modalities were investigated to determine if a lung perfusion scan alone can be used to detect pulmonary involvement in Behçet's disease. Twenty-six patients were investigated with lung scintigraphy. Thirteen of 14 patients with lung involvement were identified. Perfusion lung scintigraphy provided true diagnostic information in 96% of our patients. In eight patients without pulmonary involvement, the lung scans were normal. Although DSA specifically demonstrates pulmonary aneurysms, it involves administration of contrast media and cannot show abnormalities distal to the third pulmonary arterial branches. Although vasculitis caused by collagen disorders is physiologically indistinguishable from pulmonary emboli, most perfusion defects resolve within 3 months, which can be used as a differential diagnostic criterion in the appropriate clinical setting. Therefore, pulmonary perfusion imaging can be used to screen patients suspected of having lung involvement, especially in the absence of thrombophlebitis. In patients with thrombophlebitis, a repeat examination at 3 months is recommended to differentiate pulmonary involvement from pulmonary embolism.