Pulmonary function has to be evaluated not only globally but regionally because some of the useful in regional lung function studies because they are easy to use and the results can be quantitated. Two types of radioisotopes can be used for this purpose: Radioactive gases, among them 133Xe is one of the most useful because of its adequate half-life and energy. With this gas and others it is possible to study the ventilation of the lungs at a regional level. Radioactive particles can be used for the same purpose. The most adequate type of particle is the albumin microsphere, labeled either with 113Inm or with 99Tcm because their half-life and energy are very appropiate for external detection.The radioisotopic methodology has proven its usefulness to evaluate regionally clearance of particulate matter, ventilation, and pulmonary circulation. The possibility of quantification and excellent reproducibility of these methods have permitted the application of pulmonary gammagraphy to pulmonary physiology studies, i.e. these of regulation of the pulmonary circulation by gases. Hypoxia in one lung reduced markedly the pulmonary arterial blood flow to the hypoxic lung. This technique was applied as co-adjuvant of radiotherapy in the treatment of carcinoma of the lung.

Keywords:
Radioisotopes in the study of lung function, Regional lung function, Clearance of particulate matter, Pulmonary gammagraphy, Thoracic surgery, Pulmonary circulation, Hypoxia and circulation
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© 1972 S. Karger AG, Basel
1972
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