title: Diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide.
abstract: The measurement of co uptake (VCO and DLCO) from alveolar gas is a unique way to noninvasively assess pulmonary vascular function, specifically the functional volume of the pulmonary capillary bed. Proper interpretation of results, however, needs to account for inherent assumptions regarding co distribution and timing procedures. Moreover, reasonable airway mechanics, lung volumes, and patient cooperation are required for accurate measurements. Potential clinical utility may be increased if measurements are made in different positions or under exercise conditions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
authors.forename: N R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: MacIntyre
mesh_terms: D002199:Capillary Permeability / Q000502:physiology; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000098:blood supply; D011653:Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity / Q000502:physiology*; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D002248:Carbon Monoxide