[Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) patients with the syndrome of combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema, compared to patients with emphysema alone].

Background: In recent years the syndrome of combined puLmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) was recognized as a unique disorder. The diagnosis of CPFE is based on the pulmonary findings of High ResoLution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of the Lung. Patients with this entity have reLativeLy preserved lung volumes and spirometry but marked reductions in diffusing capacity on pulmonary function testing.