Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis other diagnostic studies

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Other diagnsotic findings consistent with diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis include reduced lung volumes and decreased diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide. Both are performed via spirometry.

Other diagnostic studies

Pulmonary function tests

Spirometry classically reveals a reduction in the vital capacity with either a proportionate reduction in airflows, or increased airflows for the observed vital capacity. The latter finding reflects the increased lung stiffness (reduced lung compliance) associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which leads to increased lung elastic recoil.

• Measurement of static lung volumes using body plethysmography or other techniques typically reveals reduced lung volumes (restriction). This reflects the difficulty encountered in inflating the fibrotic lungs.

• The diffusing capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) is invariably reduced in IPF and may be the only abnormality in mild or early disease. Its impairment underlies the propensity of patients with IPF to exhibit oxygen desaturation with exercise.