Pulmonary involvement in mixed connective tissue disease

• Published in: Chest Vol. 88; no. 1; p. 45
• Main Authors: Derderian, S S, Tellis, C J, Abbrecht, P H, Welton, R C, Rajagopal, K R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01-07-1985
• Subjects: Adult; Antigens, Nuclear; Biomechanical Phenomena; Female; Forced Expiratory Volume; Humans; Lung - physiopathology; Male; Middle Aged; Mixed Connective Tissue Disease - metabolism; Mixed Connective Tissue Disease - physiopathology; Muscles - physiopathology; Nucleoproteins - analysis; Respiratory System - physiopathology; Total Lung Capacity; Vital Capacity
• ISSN: 0012-3692
• DOI: 10.1378/chest.88.1.45

To determine the frequency of pulmonary function abnormalities in mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), we studied 16 consecutive patients. Spirometry, total lung capacity (TLC), diffusing capacity (Dco), static lung compliance (Cst), and tests of respiratory muscle function (peak inspiratory pressure [PIP] and the maximum change in transdiaphragmatic pressure [delta PDI] during a diaphragmatic Müeller maneuver) were obtained. Airway resistance (RAW) and frequency dependence of compliance were also measured. Static lung compliance was less than 0.2 L/cm H2O in four of nine patients. The PIP was less than 75 cm H2O in only one patient and delta PDI was greater than 45 cm H2O in all ten patients evaluated. Frequency dependence of compliance was abnormal in seven of ten patients, whereas RAW was increased in only three of eight patients. The TLC and DCO were less than 80 percent of the predicted values in ten of 16 and 14 of 16 patients respectively. There was no correlation between the level of extractable nuclear antigen and pulmonary function abnormalities. The study did not identify significant abnormalities in respiratory muscle function.