title: [Evaluation of the severity of pulmonary embolism. Value of the measurement of stable carbon monoxide transfer capacity].
abstract: A non-invasive and easily repeatable method of pulmonary gas exchange evaluation, using measurements of stable carbon monoxide transfer capacity (DLCO) and alveolar-capillary ductance ( DuaCo ), was compared to a complex, invasive method of pulmonary vascular bed evaluation (pulmonary angiography) in 17 patients during the first 24 hours of pulmonary embolism. DLCO and DuaCo measurements were subsequently repeated in several of the patients during the course of the disease. The study showed that DLCO was lowered in both massive (Walsh's angiographic index 12.9 +/- 1.9) and submassive (Walsh's index 4.1 +/- 1.3) pulmonary embolism, with values of 7.0 +/- 2.5 and 7.0 +/- 1.8 ml/min/mm Hg respectively. It also showed a highly significant correlation between the degree of vascular obstruction, as determined by Walsh's angiographic index, and the reduction of alveolar-capillary gas exchange, as evaluated by DuaCo (r = 0.80; p less than 0.001). A progressive improvement in the pulmonary capillary bed perfused could be suspected from the results of DuaCo monitoring during the course of embolism.
mesh_terms: D002248:Carbon Monoxide; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011651:Pulmonary Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011652:Pulmonary Circulation; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors; D014692:Ventilation-Perfusion Ratio
chemical_list: D002248:Carbon Monoxide
vernacular_title: Evaluation de la gravité des embolies pulmonaires. Intérêt de la mesure de la capacité de transfert du monoxyde de carbone à l'état stable.