The biphasic spirogram: a clue to unilateral narrowing of a mainstem bronchus.
Two patients with narrowing of a mainstem bronchus each showed two unusual functional features that are likely to be characteristic of this condition. The maximum inspiratory flow-volume curve showed an end inspiratory "tail" and the forced expiratory spirogram had a biphasic shape with normal initial curvature but a "straight line" appearance in later expiration. In one patient relief of the bronchial stenosis by the insertion of a stent restored normal contours to the spirogram and flow-volume curves.
Gascoigne
A D
AD
Department of Respiratory Medicine, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Corris
P A
PA
Dark
J H
JH
Gibson
G J
GJ
D001980:Bronchi / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001982:Bronchial Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002000:Bronchospirometry; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008449:Maximal Expiratory Flow-Volume Curves; D008875:Middle Aged