The importance of the transfer factor test in the diagnosis of pulmonary emphysema

: Physical examination, X-ray and lung function studies were performed in a group of 29 patients with chronic obstructive lung diseases. According to the diffusing capacity, patients were divided into two subgroups: one with normal and the other with decreased lung transfer-factor. Comparing the parameters of pulmonary function significantly more severe obstructive ventilatory insufficiency and greater lung hyperinflation were found in the subgroup of patients with decreased diffusing capacity. In this subgroup the collapsing type of flow-volume loop and X-ray signs of emphysema were present more frequently than in patients with normal lung diffusing capacity.