Bullus Emphysema

I have been told I have severe bullas emphysema of the right upper lung and also have bullae on the left. PFT #'s were all above 80 with the exception of fev1/fvc - 73%  and fef 25-75% - 58%. Normal diffusion. Interpreted as borderline obstruction. How can I have severe emphysema and only be at the borderline stage?

Thanks,
Ringbo

[National Jewish]

In the healthy lung the airsacs of the lung look like a bunch of grapes.  Emphysema causes destruction of the walls between the airsacs.  Over time these individual airsacs become one large airsac called a bullae.  Usually emphysema is widespread and diffuse so bullae occur all over the lung.

The information presented suggests that you have focal emphysema.  That is emphysema that is limited to a small portion of lung.  You most likely have a couple of bullae that may be congenital and not a consequence of emphysema.

The pulmonary function test results are not compatible with severe emphysema.  You may have mild emphysema or not have emphysema at all.  Unless the bullae progressively enlarge, nothing need be done about them.

[b14]

A related discussion, lungs was started.