The Effects of Emphysema of the Lungs on the Cerebral and Coronary Circulation

Abstract

Factors in pulmonary emphysema are discussed, which give rise to impairment of cerebral or coronary circulation. These are (1) increased alveolar air pressure as in paroxysms of coughing, (2) bronchial constriction, (3) pulmonic hypertension and sclerosis, (4) impaired reciprocal pressure changes between abdomen and thorax and (5) increased intracranial pressure and carbon dioxide acidosis induced by oxygen administration.