Pulmonary Capacity in Lung Cancer Patients Prior to Lung Resection

Comparison of the Unilateral Pulmonary Artery Occlusion Test with Expired Gas Analysis during Exercise Testing

抄録

We attempted to determine if expired gas analysis during exercise testing has equal value to the unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion test (UPAO). Sixty-four lung cancer patients were evaluated. We performed UPAO and measured mean pulmonary artery pressure (P_PA) and cardiac output (C.O.) 15 min later, and calculated total pulmonary vascular resistance (TPVR). Expired gas analysis during exercise testing was performed, and the maximum oxygen consumption per unit body surface area (Vo₂max/m²) and the anaerobic threshold (AT/m²) were calculated. The patients were divided into two groups according to the P_PA as follows: Group P_PA(L) and Group P_PA(H), and the TPVR as follows: Group TPVR(L) and Group TPVR(H). Comparative studies of the mean values of Vo₂max/m² and AT/m² were performed between the two groups. Vo₂max/m² was significantly higher in Group P_PA(L) than in Group P_PA(H). Vo₂max/m² was significantly higher in Group TPVR(L) than in Group TPVR(H). TPVR and Vo₂max/m² showed no significant correlation, but a weak negative quadratic correlation with the equation y=2276-246.6 logx was found. This result led a minimal acceptable levels for lung resection of Vo₂max/m² of 650 ml/min/m² corresponding to the TPVR levels of 700 dyne.sec.cm^-5/m².