What is the interpretation of a Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) of 72%, Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) to FVC ratio of 83%, and FEV1 of 8.67 liters?

From the Guidelines

The pulmonary function test results indicate a mild restrictive lung disease pattern, with the FVC at 72% of predicted and a normal FEV1/FVC ratio of 83%. The FVC value is at the lower end of the normal range, which is typically considered to be 80% or above, but 70-80% can be acceptable 1. The FEV1/FVC ratio is normal, indicating no airflow obstruction, which is consistent with the findings of the 2025 GOLD science committee recommendations for the use of pre- and post-bronchodilator spirometry for the diagnosis of COPD 1. The FEV1 value of 8.67 L appears to be an absolute value rather than a percentage of predicted and seems unusually high, but without additional information such as age, gender, and height, it is difficult to interpret.

The slightly reduced FVC with a normal ratio could potentially indicate a mild restrictive pattern, but without additional information such as total lung capacity measurements, this cannot be confirmed 1. According to the severity classification table, an FEV1 % pred of >70 is considered mild, and since the FVC is 72% of predicted, it falls into this category 1.

It is essential to consider that lung function level is associated with morbidity, and patients with lower function have more respiratory complaints 1. Therefore, regular health maintenance and avoiding respiratory irritants like tobacco smoke remain crucial for maintaining lung health. No specific treatment is needed based on these results alone, as they do not indicate significant pulmonary dysfunction requiring intervention. However, further follow-up and investigations may be necessary if there is a strong clinical suspicion of COPD or other respiratory diseases 1.

Some key points to consider in the interpretation of these results include:

• The FEV1/FVC ratio should not be used to determine the severity of an obstructive disorder until new research data are available 1
• The use of slow vital capacity (SVC) may be more sensitive but less specific and adds complexity to lung function testing 1
• Measurement of FEV1/FEV6 has lower sensitivity for detecting airflow obstruction than FEV1/FVC but similar specificity 1

From the Research

Interpretation of Lung Function Test Results

The given lung function test results are:

• FVC: 72
• FEV1/FVC: 83
• FEV1: 8.67

Classification of Lung Disease

Based on the FEV1/FVC ratio, the results can be classified as follows:

• The FEV1/FVC ratio of 83 is above the threshold of 70, which is commonly used to diagnose chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2.
• However, the FEV1/FVC ratio of 83 is below the normal range for some age groups, and adjustments to the diagnostic criteria may be needed for older adults 2.
• The results do not indicate severe obstruction, as the FEV1/FVC ratio is above 70, but may indicate mild obstruction or other lung conditions.

Functional Limitation

The presence of lung disease, including obstructive or restrictive lung disease, can be associated with functional limitations, such as difficulty walking or lifting 3.

• The FVC result of 72 may indicate some degree of restrictive lung disease, which can be associated with functional limitations.
• However, without more information about the patient's symptoms and medical history, it is difficult to determine the extent of functional limitation.

Diagnosis and Management

The diagnosis and management of lung disease depend on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's symptoms, medical history, and lung function test results.

• The results of the lung function test should be interpreted in the context of the patient's overall health and medical history 4, 5, 6.
• Further evaluation and testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause of the lung disease and to develop an effective treatment plan.