Spirometric Results of Combined Obstructive-Restrictive Lung Disease in Emphysema

Abstract

Background: emphysema often cause obstructive pattern on spirometry, but for many reasons, it could cause obstructive and restrictive (mixed) especially in sever emphysema.

Aim of the study: is to determine the prevalence of combined obstructive and restrictive lesion in emphysema.

Methodology: 44 patients with emphysematous changes on CXR were enrolled in this study, in Al-Sader medical city in Al-Najaf, during the period in March to September 2012. All of them performed spirometry to determine the types of changes whether obstructive or mixed (obstructive and restrictive) pattern.

Results: thirty one patients (70.5%) had obstructive and 13 patients (29.5%) had mixed obstructive and restrictive pattern. Patients with severe emphysema, and those with bullae showed mixed types which is significant in regarding to final diagnosis, while those on steroids show no significant differences.

Conclusion: Combined obstructive-restrictive pattern in patients with emphysema is an uncommon entity, but it can occur in severe form of emphysema and in the presence of bullae.

Recommendation: Study pulmonary function tests in all patients with emphysema particularly in the presence of bullae.