Question

A 68-year-old man with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents to his GP with progressive exertional dyspnoea and chronic productive cough. Spirometry after bronchodilator shows FEV1/FVC ratio 0.58 and FEV1 62% predicted. Which is the most appropriate interpretation?

Accepted Answer

Airflow obstruction consistent with COPD

Answer

Normal spirometry; no evidence of airflow limitation

Answer

Restrictive ventilatory defect consistent with interstitial lung disease

Answer

Uninterpretable spirometry; repeat is required because FEV1 is above 50% predicted

Answer

Isolated low FEV1 without obstruction

Practice question

A 68-year-old man with a 40-pack-year smoking history presents to his GP with progressive exertional dyspnoea and chronic productive cough. Spirometry after bronchodilator shows FEV1/FVC ratio 0.58 and FEV1 62% predicted. Which is the most appropriate interpretation?