[The functionally amputated lung. Studies on the unilateral hyperlucent lung syndrome].

Abstract	On the basis of comprehensive clinicopathological evidence 6 patients presenting with unilateral left-sided hyperlucent lungs are evaluated for pathogenesis, function and postoperative (n = 5) course. The common denominator in all proves to be moderate to severe hypoperfusion and overinflation of the respective lungs. Pulmonary function is characterized by a combined restrictive-obstructive pattern. In 4 patients overinflation is due to a central check-valve mechanism (tumor: n = 3; central airways collapse: n = 1), whereas in 2 increased translucency results from some sort of peripheral obstruction (Swyer-James syndrome: n = 1; congenital cystic bronchiectasis: n = 1). We consider the origin of hypoperfusion to be alveolar distension and hypoxic precapillary vasoconstriction, both participating in diminished blood flow to the check-valve obstructed lung. In Swyer-James syndrome reduced vascularity is an additional feature. Preoperative and long-term postoperative lung function data of 5 pneumonectomized patients are compared. On the whole, FEV1 and IVC remain unchanged, whereas the obstructive profile (RV, RV/TLC, sRAW) improves. From these data it is concluded that the affected hyperlucent lung is 'amputated' even before operation - irrespective of the nature of tissue damage. On the other hand postoperative relief of airways obstruction is supposed to be due to both antiobstructive medication and the removal of a diseased lung.
Authors	K Wassermann, E Reitemeyer, K M Müller, J A Nakhosteen
Journal	Respiration; international review of thoracic diseases (Respiration) Vol. 53 Issue 2 Pg. 91-110 ( 1988) ISSN: 0025-7931 [Print] Switzerland
Vernacular Title	Die funktionelle Pneumonektomie. Untersuchungen zum Problem der einseitig hellen Lunge.
PMID	3393739 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Topics	Adult Aged Female Humans Lung (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology) Male Middle Aged Pneumonectomy Pulmonary Circulation Pulmonary Emphysema (diagnostic imaging, physiopathology, surgery) Pulmonary Gas Exchange Radiography

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.

Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!