Airway pressure-volume curve estimated by flow interruption during forced expiration.

We attempted to estimate the pressure-volume characteristics of airways downstream from the choke point when the airflow was abruptly interrupted during forced expiration. The change of gas volume of the downstream segment after interruption could be estimated by multiplying the maximum flow (Vmax) immediately before interruption by the interruption time because the Vmax is maintained for a short period after airflow interruption at the mouth, as described in our previous report (J. Appl. Physiol. 66: 509-517, 1989). For the pressure of the downstream segment, we used the mouth pressure itself. Airway compliance, a slope of the pressure-volume curve, was measured in an airway model in eight normal subjects, in six patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and in one patient with tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica. Airway compliance was 0.96 ml/cmH2O in normal subjects and 2.49 ml/cmH2O in COPD patients. This difference of airway compliance was believed to be caused by the longitudinal expansion of the downstream segment and changes in the properties of the airway wall.