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Regional variations in pulmonary alveolar/epithelial (A/V) permeability in smokers studied with Tc-99m-DTPA aerosol

Conference · · J. Nucl. Med.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5873696

Many diseases affecting the lung show regional preferences. The effect of smoking on the upper and lower lung A/V permeability was studied in 6 smokers and 11 controls. The subject inhaled Tc-99m-DTPA aerosol (Synaco Nebulizer) in a sitting position for 3 minutes to achieve a dose rate of 2 mr/hr as measured by a Geiger counter on the dorsal surface of the chest. The posterior lung images in supine position were later obtained using an LFOV gamma camera and the MDS computer. The clearance half times for the upper and lower areas of each lung were calculated for 0-20 minutes and the results were tested by paired t-test. The results suggest that there are significant differences in the pulmonary A/V permeability between upper and lower regions in smokers while there are none in controls, implying possibly a more pronounced damaging effect of smoking in the upper lung fields. The regional differences should be taken into account while studying various pulmonary pathology with Tc-99m-DTPA aerosol.

Research Organization:
VA Medical Center
OSTI ID:
5873696
Report Number(s):
CONF-850611-
Journal Information:
J. Nucl. Med.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Nucl. Med.; (United States) Vol. 26:5; ISSN JNMEA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English