Progressive apical pleural fibrosis: a 'constrictive' ventilatory defect.
We report two patients with bilateral apical pleural fibrosis which may be a form of benign asbestos-related pleurisy, one of these being steroid responsive. The pulmonary function defect of reduced lung volumes with raised gas transfer coefficient is characteristic and is best described as 'constrictive'.
Oliver
R M
RM
Department of Respiratory Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Neville
E
E
D000328:Adult; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D005355:Fibrosis; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010995:Pleural Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011859:Radiography; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests