title: Unexpected improvements of lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
abstract: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is usually characterized by a progressive decline of lung function. We reported the 10 years follow-up of an elderly man, a heavy smoker with severe COPD and apical bullous emphysema. During 6 months pulmonary rehabilitation program the patient's clinical state improved significantly and it associated with a steep increase in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). This case report elaborates on the unexpected gain of FEV1 in the follow-up of a COPD patient.
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Leuven, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Marko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Topalovic
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Leuven, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Tuur
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Helsen
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Kinesiology and Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Thierry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Troosters
authors.affiliation: Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital Leuven, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, KU Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: Wim
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Janssens
keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec; Giant bulla; Lung function; Pulmonary rehabilitation