Studies on the cardio‐pulmonary function in the course following the acute stage of “atypical” pneumonia

Abstract

Summary 12 subjects, constituting a “non‐pulmonary” group, and 16 subjects, 9 males and 7 females, constituting an “atypical” pneumonia group, were investigated at various time in the course following the acute phase of the actual infection with series of cardiopulmonary function tests. The “non‐pulmonary” group consisted of convalescents after infectious diseases with no involvement of the lungs. In the “atypical” pneumonia group, most cases had suffered from “primary atypical pneumonia” with lesions in the lungs probably of interstitial pneumonitis type. The x‐ray picture was normalized or almost normalized at the time for investigation. The rate of work at a pulse rate of 170/min. (W170) was in the “non‐pulmonary” group normal or almost normal. W170 in the “atypical” pneumonia group was in relation to heart volume somewhat low. Slight to moderate orthostatic reactions as well at rest in standing as during work in sitting were a little more frequent in the “atypical” pneumonia group. The pulmonary function was in the “non‐pulmonary” group as a whole in close agreement with earlier normal materials. The static lung volumes in the “atypical” pneumonia group were slightly reduced and certain distrurbances in the mechanics of breathing could not be excluded. Alveolar ventilation was normal in most cases. The diffusion capacity of the lungs was reduced at rest and during exercise as well in absolute terms as in relation to BSA and mid‐capacity. Anatomical shunts ranging from 6 to 15 % of cardiac output were found. The lung function was not impaired to such a degree as to be a limiting factor of the oxygen transport.