Regional Lung Function of Non-smokers with Healed Spontaneous Pneumothorax: A Physiologic and Emission Radiologic Study

This study is based on investigations of 11 nonsmokers with healed spontaneous pneumothorax. Physiologic, scintigraphic and radiologic examinations were performed to determine whether they had any impairment of overall or regional lung function. Posteroanterior and lateral chest radiographic examinations revealed no abnormality. Forced expirographic study was normal, but the residual volume was increased. Ventilation was impaired and perfusion decreased in the apical region of the lungs, also the most common location of spontaneous pneumothorax. Findings are consistent with the presence of regional airway obstruction, which may cause, or at least contribute to, development of this condition.