FOLLOW-UP PULMONARY-FUNCTION AFTER SHOCK-LUNG

Abstract

Long-term follow-up of pulmonary function was performed in 4 patients who recovered from shock lung. In 3 patients, there was a progressive normalization of lung volumes and lung compliance and the pulmonary diffusing capacity improved but without attaining predicted levels. In the 4th patient, a delayed reduction of total lung capacity, lung compliance and diffusion capacity occurred. During the follow-up period (from 1 mo.-4 yr) there was no compliant and physical examination, ECG, chest roentgenogram, conventional pulmonary perfusion scintigraphy and arterial blood gases at rest were quite normal. These results are compatible with the persistence of some degree of interstitial lung disease after recovery from shock lung.