Abstract
The results of a study of 6 normal subjects, 15 patients with chronic bronchitis and 7 patients with pulmonary emphysema by a steady state xenon technique, and a large scintillation camera, combined with computer analysing technique were reported.
1) It was found that the regional ventilation to perfusion ratios of normal subjects showed nonhomogeneity between upper lung and lower lung.
2) In patients with chronic bronchitis, the abnormalities of the regional ventilation to perfusion ratios were demonstrated in 13 out of the 15 cases, and even in 12 cases judged as normal on routine pulmonary functions tests, regional zonal abnormalities could be demonstrated in all cases.
3) In patients with pulmonary emphysema, the abnormalities of the regional ventilation to perfusion ratios were demonstrated in 7 out of the 7 cases, and even in 5 cases judged as normal on routine pulmonary function tests, regional zonal abnormalities could be demonstrated in all cases.
4) It was concluded that regional ventilation to perfusion ratios abnormalities were of a higher grade and more common in pulmonary emphysema than in chronic bronchitis.
