High-resolution CT scan in the evaluation of exercise-induced interstitial pulmonary edema in cardiac patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the onset of exercise-induced interstitial pulmonary edema in cardiac patients by high-resolution CT (HRCT).


METHODS
Prospective, normal controlled.


METHODS
Thirty subjects divided into three groups: group 1--10 outpatients with chronic congestive heart failure (CCHF), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class I; group 2--10 outpatients with CCHF, NYHA class II/III; and group 3 (control)--10 normal subjects.


METHODS
HRCT scans were obtained at rest and 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 min after progressive treadmill exercise test.


RESULTS
The following HRCT findings consistent with interstitial edema were significantly different (p<0.05) in group 2 when compared with groups 1 and 3: artery/bronchus ratio > 1 in the upper lobes, peripheral increase in the vascular markings, interlobular septal thickening, and peribronchial "cuffing." These differences were maximal at 12 min after exercise and returned to normal values after 20 min.


CONCLUSIONS
Interstitial pulmonary edema was present immediately after exercise in CCHF patients. It may be important in the genesis of dyspnea of these patients.
Brasileiro
F C
FC
Instituto do Coracão, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Brazil.
Vargas
F S
FS
Kavakama
J I
JI
Leite
J J
JJ
Cukier
A
A
Préfaut
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011654:Pulmonary Edema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology; D012016:Reference Values; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data