Reduced ventilation –perfusion (V/Q) mismatch following endobronchial valve insertion demonstrated by Gallium‐68 V/Q photon emission tomography/computed tomography

We report a pilot case in which V/Q‐PET/CT demonstrated discordant findings compared with quantitative CT analysis, and directed left lower lobe EBV placement. The patient experienced a significant improvement in 6‐min walk distance (6MWD) without change in spirometry. Post‐EBV V/Q‐PET/CT demonstrated a marked decrease in unmatched (detrimental) V/Q areas and improvement in overall V/Q matching on post‐EBV V/Q‐PET/CT. These preliminary novel findings suggest that EBVs improve V/Q matching and may explain the observed functional improvements. Endobronchial valves (EBVs) are increasingly used in severe emphysema. Using Gallium‐68 ventilation–perfusion (V/Q) photon emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT), we report a pilot case in which PET/CT findings were discordant to standard quantitative CT analysis. We deployed valves in a lobe where benefit was not predicted with standard quantitative CT, and found significant clinical improvement and improved V/Q matching on repeat imaging.
Source: Respirology Case Reports - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Case Report Source Type: research