Alveolar-arterial gradient: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | |||
The '''Alveolar-arterial gradient''' (A-a gradient), is a measure of the difference between the [[alveoli|alveolar]] [[concentration]] of [[oxygen]] and the [[artery|arterial]] concentration of oxygen. It is used in diagnosing the source of [[hypoxemia]].<ref name="urliROCKET Learning Module: Intro to Arterial Blood Gases, Pt. 1">{{cite web |url=http://missinglink.ucsf.edu/lm/abg/abg1/a_a_gradient.html |title=iROCKET Learning Module: Intro to Arterial Blood Gases, Pt. 1 |format= |work= |accessdate=2008-11-14}}</ref> | The '''Alveolar-arterial gradient''' (A-a gradient), is a measure of the difference between the [[alveoli|alveolar]] [[concentration]] of [[oxygen]] and the [[artery|arterial]] concentration of oxygen. It is used in diagnosing the source of [[hypoxemia]].<ref name="urliROCKET Learning Module: Intro to Arterial Blood Gases, Pt. 1">{{cite web |url=http://missinglink.ucsf.edu/lm/abg/abg1/a_a_gradient.html |title=iROCKET Learning Module: Intro to Arterial Blood Gases, Pt. 1 |format= |work= |accessdate=2008-11-14}}</ref> | ||
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Latest revision as of 22:02, 8 August 2012
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
The Alveolar-arterial gradient (A-a gradient), is a measure of the difference between the alveolar concentration of oxygen and the arterial concentration of oxygen. It is used in diagnosing the source of hypoxemia.[1]
Equation
A-a gradient = PAO2 - PaO2[2]
Where:
- PAO2 = alveolar PO2 (calculated from the alveolar gas equation)
- PaO2 = arterial PO2 (measured in arterial blood A-a gradient)
Values and meaning
The A-a gradient is useful in determining the source of hypoxemia. The measurement helps isolate the location of the problem as either intrapulmonary (within the lungs) or extrapulmonary (somewhere else in the body).
A normal A-a gradient is less than 10 mmHg, but can range from 5-20 mmHg. Normally, the A-a gradient increases with age. For every decade a person has lived, their A-a gradient is expected to increase by 1 mmHg. An abnormally increased A-a gradient suggests a defect in diffusion, V/Q (ventilation/perfusion ratio) defect, or right-to-left shunt.[3]
References
- ↑ "iROCKET Learning Module: Intro to Arterial Blood Gases, Pt. 1". Retrieved 2008-11-14.
- ↑ "Alveolar-arterial Gradient". Retrieved 2008-11-14.
- ↑ Costanzo, Linda (2006). BRS Physiology. Hagerstown: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 0781773113.