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Restrictive lung physiology — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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HardRespiratory physiologyRestrictive lung physiologySCE Respiratory

A patient with motor neurone disease has FVC 62% predicted, TLCO 61% predicted and KCO 112% predicted. What best explains this pattern?

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Correct answer: A — Reduced inspired volume from respiratory muscle weakness

Neuromuscular weakness reduces measured lung volume and therefore TLCO, while gas transfer per unit accessible lung volume may remain normal or high. The pattern should be interpreted with supine vital capacity, inspiratory pressures and nocturnal gas exchange.

Reference: https://www.brit-thoracic.org.uk/quality-improvement/guidelines/