[Determination of the closing volume and its value in the early detection of chronic obstructive lung disease].

The determination of the closing volume appears as a good test for the early detection of obstructive lung diseases and of disorders in the ventilation distribution. Easy to perform, its use should become extensive. To make use of this investigation under the better possible conditions, it is strictly necessary to respect methodologic norms and an excellent technology and to be aware of some morphologic anomalies in the curves.