Experimental Unilateral Pulmonary Artery Occlusion

Abstract

Inhalation and perfusion were studied serially by radionuclide imaging in 15 dogs after unilateral or lobar pulmonary artery occlusion. Relatively decreased inhalation with bronchoconstriction occurred transiently in the ischemic lung immediately following pulmonary artery occlusion but disappeared in several hours. Inhalation of 8% carbon dioxide improved the inhalation, but bronchoconstriction occasionally persisted. After four to six hours, normal inhalation without bronchoconstriction was observed unless complicating pathology developed. Inhalation in absence of perfusion indicates vascular occlusive disease.