Spirometry

Question 1

What is recorded on flow-loop?

Answer 1

• FEV1
• FVC
• Slow VC
• FEV1/VC ratio
• Peak flow

Question 2

Examples of variable intrathoracic obstruction

Answer 2

○ Lower trachea tumours
○ Tracheal strictures
○ Tracheomalacia (softening of trachea)

Question 3

Examples of variable extrathoracic obstruction

Answer 3

○ Subglottic stenosis
○ Upper tracheal tumours
○ Goitres
○ Vocal cord paralysis

Question 4

Variable intrathoracic obstruction on spirometry

Answer 4

Depressed expiratory loop
Preserved inspiratory loop

Question 5

Variable extrathoracic obstruction on spirometry

Answer 5

Depressed inspiratory loop
Preserved expiratory loop

Question 6

Decrease in DLCO

Answer 6

• Anaemia
• ILD
• Kyphoscoliosis - reduced DLCO, but normal DL/VA

Question 7

Increase in DLCO

Answer 7

• Obesity
• Asthma
• Pulmonary haemorrhage

Question 8

Obstructive Pattern

Answer 8

FEV1/FVC < 0.8
FVC normal

Question 9

Mixed obstruction and restriction pattern

Answer 9

FEV1/FVC < 0.8
FVC reduced
TLC reduced

Question 10

Restrictive Pattern

Answer 10

FEV1/FVC > 0.8
FVC reduced

Question 11

Bronchodilator Reversibility definition - asthma

Answer 11

Increase in 10% in FEV1 or FVC w/ bronchodilator