Pulmonary functions in patients with epidemic dropsy
Khilnani, G.C.; Trikha, I.; Malhotra, O.P.; Prabhakaran, D.; Pande, J.N.
Indian Journal of Chest Diseases and Allied Sciences 45(1): 25-29
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0377-9343 PMID: 12683709 Document Number: 561250
Pulmonary functions were performed in thirteen patients with epidemic dropsy. The epidemic occurred in Delhi in 1998 during which 102 patients with epidemic dropsy reported to our medical unit. Other investigations included chest radiograph, ECG, liver and renal function tests. There was a restrictive ventilatory defect with diminution of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide in these patients. Echocardiogram was done in seven of these patients and was normal. The cause of breathlessness and restrictive ventilatory defect is likely to be non-cardiogenic pulmonary oedema.