Increased pulmonary residual volume in patients with hyperlipoproteinemias

A syndrome, characterized by pulmonary hyperdistension (increased residual volume, closing capacity and Motley Index), was observed in patients with hyperlipoproteinemias without other known causes of pulmonary disease. This syndrome is mostly asymptomatic; hyperdistension is of variable degree and not directly correlated to plasma lipid levels. It is partially reversible after reduction of lipidemia. The cause of this syndrome is not known. It may explain a decreased pulmonary working capacity in asymptomatic hyperlipidemic patients.