Eight patients studied 1-14 years after pneumonectomy performed during childhood demonstrated moderate overinflation of the lung with minimal restriction of ventilatory functions. Carbon monoxide diffusing capacity was greater than predicted and the ratio, VC/VA, was increased indicating overdistention of the pulmonary capillary bed after pneumonectomy. Pulmonary arterial pressure was high normal at rest and elevated with exercise; pulmonary resistance was normal at rest but did not decrease with exercise. The pressure changes were attributed to the entire cardiac output flowing through the single lung. Pneumonectomy in childhood performed for unilateral pulmonary disease is associated with minimal changes in cardiopulmonary performance which does not limit normal activities.
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Giammona et al. (1966) studied this question.