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Differential Vital Capacity Determinations with Radioactive Xenon

Tufts University School of Medicine and St. Elizabeth's Hospital of Boston, Brighton, Massachusetts

Correspondence: ¹ For reprints contact: Kenneth F. MacDonnell, Dept. of Medicine, St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Brighton, Mass. 02135.

ABSTRACT

Differential vital capacities (right lung versus left lung) can be obtained with bronchospirometry. Radiospirometry, however, has been shown to be more reproducible and due to its non-invasive nature more acceptable by the examinee. Right lung vital capacities determined by radiospirometry were found to be statistically larger (52%) than the left lung vital capacity (48%) in 28 normal subjects (nonsmokers). The differential data of 11 smokers were not consistent with the above relationship. Vital capacities determined using radioactive xenon showed statistically significantly lower values from those determined by standard spirometry. The non-invasive nature of this technique in determining differential data (regional as well as unilateral) may allow one to locate abnormalities when standard spirometry indicates normal or abnormal pulmonary function.