Ventilation-perfusion mismatch pathophysiology

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aida Javanbakht, M.D.

Overview

Any disruption between blood flow and ventilation is called V/Q mismatch.

Pathogenesis

In the upright position of the normal lung, the amount of ventilation and perfusion is higher in the base of the lung compare to apex of the lung. Although ventilation and perfusion are low in the apex of the lung, the perfusion is lower than ventilation in the apex. So, the V/Q is higher in the apex of the lung compare to the base.