[Alveolar deposition of inhaled radio-aerosol particles in central and peripheral airway obstruction. Methodologic conditions and clinical results].

The degree of alveolar deposition of inhaled microparticles, which is affected by airway patency, was studied in 16 asymptomatic smokers with small airways disease. Compared to healthy subjects (n = 12) as well as to patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD, n = 14) significant differences in mean alveolar particle deposition were encountered. The results indicate that in both patient groups the lower-lung regions were most affected by airway obstruction. In patients with peripheral airways disease there was no difference in the degree of right- and left-lung aerosol deposition whereas in patients with COLD obstructive airway alteration was found to affect preferably the right lung region.