[Pulmonary mechanics and small airways in patent ductus arteriosus and interventricular communication, in relation to pulmonary arterial flow and pressure].

Eighteen patients with ventricular septal defect or patent ductus arteriosus were studied to investigate the effects of an increase of pulmonary hypertension. In general group II showed similar results as previously reported in patients with atrial septal defect without pulmonary hypertension. In group I, we found an increased frequency of functional abnormalities in the small airways. We do not have a definitive explanation for the origin of these differences.