Correlation of pulmonary function variables with hemodynamic measurements in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Introduction: A reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) measured during a pulmonary function test can suggest pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The DLCO has been reported to weakly correlate with pulmonary hemodynamics.

Objective: To determine whether the relationship between the DLCO and pulmonary arterial pressures can be strengthened by normalizing the DLCO to spirometric variables.