Ventilation-perfusion mismatch pathophysiology
Template:Ventilation-perfusion mismatch
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. In a normal lung V/Q is 0.8 which means 4 liters of oxygen and 5 liters of blood transfer in the lung per minute. V/Q mismatch is one of the reason of hypoxemia in patients with lung disease like obstructive lung diseases, pulmonary vascular diseases, and interstitial diseases . Usually hypoxemia due to V/Q mismatch will resolve by oxygen therapy. [1]
In normal condition when there is a low ventilation, the body tries to keep this ratio in a normal range by restricting the perfusion in that specific area of the lung. This unique mechanism is called hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction. If this process happens for a long time it can cause pulmonary hypertension [2].
Associated Conditions
Some conditions that cause decrease in V/Q are:
Some conditions that cause increase in V/Q are:
Genetics
The association between V/Q mismatch and genetic depends on the etiology of the mismatch. For example ORMDL3 and GSDML genes play a role in causing asthma [3].
Gross Pathology
Microscopic Pathology
- ↑ Jobse BN, McCurry CA, Morissette MC, Rhem RG, Stämpfli MR, Labiris NR (April 2014). "Impact of inflammation, emphysema, and smoking cessation on V/Q in mouse models of lung obstruction". Respir. Res. 15: 42. doi:10.1186/1465-9921-15-42. PMC 4021179. PMID 24730756.
- ↑ Orchard CH, Sanchez de Leon R, Sykes MK (May 1983). "The relationship between hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and arterial oxygen tension in the intact dog". J. Physiol. (Lond.). 338: 61–74. PMC 1197181. PMID 6410061.
- ↑ Lu KH (September 1988). "[Evaluation of the use of revascularized free and composite flaps in plastic and reconstructive surgery]". Zhonghua Zheng Xing Shao Shang Wai Ke Za Zhi (in Chinese). 4 (3): 164–5, 233–4. PMID 3151648.