Spirometry + Expiratory Flow–Volume Loops

Question 1

What FEV₁/FVC ratio is indicative of obstructive lung disease?

Answer 1

FEV₁/FVC ratio of <0.7

Question 2

Which condition is characterized by a markedly reduced DLCO?

Answer 2

Pulmonary fibrosis​

Question 3

In which disease is the DLCO typically normal?

Answer 3

Asthma

Question 4

What spirometry finding is common in restrictive lung diseases?

Answer 4

FEV₁/FVC ratio >0.7​

Question 5

What does a concave flow-volume loop suggest?

Answer 5

Obstructive lung disease

Question 6

Which lung disease shows a reversible obstructive pattern on spirometry?

Answer 6

Asthma

Question 7

What spirometry pattern is associated with obesity?

Answer 7

Restrictive pattern with FEV₁/FVC >0.7

Question 8

What is Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia; is it a restrictive or obstructive lung disease?

Answer 8

Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia= impaired ciliary function leading to mucus retention

OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG DISEASE

Question 9

What are the key spirometry findings in obstructive lung disease?

Answer 9

Key Spirometry Findings:
- Reduced FEV₁
- Reduced FEV₁/FVC ratio (<0.7)
- Normal or increased Total Lung Capacity (TLC)

Seen in: COPD, Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Cystic Fibrosis, Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia, Emphysema

Question 10

What are the key spirometry findings in restrictive lung disease?

Answer 10

Key Spirometry Findings:
- Reduced FVC
- Normal or increased FEV₁/FVC ratio (>0.7)
- Reduced TLC​

Seen in: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), Obesity, Sarcoidosis, Pleural Effusion

Question 11

What will the flow-volume loop pattern look like for obstructive vs restrictive lung disease

Answer 11

Obstructive Pattern: Concave shape; reduced peak expiratory flow.

Restrictive Pattern: Small, narrow loop; reduced lung volumes.