Assessment of respiratory acidosis

Required for diagnosis of COPD.[11]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. ​Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2024 report​. 2023 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report

Obstructive ventilatory deficit may or may not be reversible after bronchodilator use.

Post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio <0.70 confirms airflow limitation.[11]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. ​Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2024 report​. 2023 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report

The 2024 Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) report recommends a repeat spirometry test on a separate occasion if the post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio is between 0.6 and 0.8.[11]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. ​Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2024 report​. 2023 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report

The 2024 GOLD report states that pre-bronchodilator spirometry can be used as an initial test to investigate whether symptomatic patients have airflow obstruction.[11]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. ​Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2024 report​. 2023 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report ​ If this doesn’t show obstruction, then post-bronchodilator spirometry is not required unless there is a very high clinical suspicion of COPD.[11]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. ​Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2024 report​. 2023 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report ​​​​

Chest x-ray is useful to support the diagnosis of COPD. Additionally, it can exclude other causes of wheeze or triggers of exacerbation (heart failure, pneumonia, pneumothorax, pulmonary embolism).[11]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. ​Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2024 report​. 2023 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report

Air-trapping (increased RV) and hyperinflation (increased TLC) are typically present in patients with emphysema.

Should be done if pulse oximetry measurements ≤92%.[11]Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. ​Global strategy for prevention, diagnosis and management of COPD: 2024 report​. 2023 [internet publication]. https://goldcopd.org/2024-gold-report Hypercapnia typically accompanies severe cases of COPD.​

Chest x-ray is the first diagnostic test to confirm pneumonia.

CT of the chest is rarely needed but may provide better visualisation of the extent of disease.

Microbiological cultures should be taken before the initiation of antibiotics if the patient's clinical state permits.

Chest x-ray can serve to localise foreign bodies if they have passed below the carina. For supracarinal obstruction, symptoms are often severe enough to require emergent intervention (abdominal thrusts [Heimlich manoeuvre], intubation).

Laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy are useful as diagnostic tests when history of aspiration is unclear and x-rays are inconclusive (e.g., paediatric patients).

Toxicology testing should include screening for opioids, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and ethanol.

An osmolar gap (between measured and calculated plasma osmolality) is useful to screen for ethanol, ethylene glycol, or methanol ingestion.

The chronic hypercapnia associated with moderate to severe COPD leads to a change in the normal stimulus for respiration (from hypercapnia and acidosis to hypoxaemia). Excessive supplemental oxygen can lead to both a blunting of the hypoxic vasoconstriction of the pulmonary vascular bed and a diminished stimulus for breathing.

CT scanning allows exclusion of intracerebral haemorrhage. Detection of infarction on CT depends on the timing of the imaging relative to the event. Characteristic changes are of an area of low attenuation with surrounding oedema and associated sulcal or ventricular effacement.

CT scan is the initial diagnostic test of choice given its ease and rapidity. However, acute or subtle regions of infarct and haemorrhage may not be easily detected, and thus MRI of the brain is a useful secondary imaging modality. MRI characteristics depend on the timing of the imaging relative to the event. However, the distribution of abnormalities can offer clues to the aetiology (i.e., wedge-shaped infarcts in thromboembolic disease, distal margin ischaemia in watershed infarcts related to hypoperfusion).

CT findings include skull fracture, subdural haematoma, or intraparenchymal bleeding.

While a CT scan of the brain is not required prior to a lumbar puncture, it is often performed to screen for elevated intracranial pressure and risk of herniation. A normal CT scan does not necessarily mean a lumbar puncture is safe, and therefore should be used in conjunction with the physical examination to determine risk of herniation.[13]Joffe AR. Lumbar puncture and brain herniation in acute bacterial meningitis: a review. J Intensive Care Med. 2007;22:194-207. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17712055?tool=bestpractice.com

Apart from screening for evidence of increased intracranial pressure prior to performing a lumbar puncture, a CT scan may reveal an alternative diagnosis for the presenting signs and symptoms (e.g., tumour, abscess).

CT features of increased intracranial pressure include sulcal effacement, loss of grey-white matter distinction, and obliteration of the normal ventricular space.

While obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) often accompanies hypoventilation syndrome in obesity, the presence of OSA is not an absolute requirement in this disorder.[14]Olson AL, Zwillich C. The obesity hypoventilation syndrome. Am J Med. 2005;118:948-956. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16164877?tool=bestpractice.com

There are no differentiating signs on chest x-ray between pleural effusion and haemothorax.

CT scan aids in evaluating the aetiology of the effusion.

Tension pneumothorax (presence of mediastinal shift) is a medical emergency, and its treatment should be initiated on the basis of a clinical diagnosis and should not be delayed in order to undertake a chest x-ray.

While vital capacity and total lung capacity are reduced in obesity, some studies suggest that reduction in functional residual capacity better correlates with the degree of obesity.[15]Jones RL, Nzekwu MM. The effects of body mass index on lung volumes. Chest. 2006;130:827-833. http://journal.publications.chestnet.org/article.aspx?articleid=1084654 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16963682?tool=bestpractice.com

Total lung capacity, functional residual capacity, and residual volume are reduced in kyphoscoliosis.

Other electrolytes, such as magnesium, should also be evaluated, as abnormalities in these values may provide clues as to the primary cause of hypokalaemia.

Bilateral lower lobe shadowing is due to alveolar oedema, and Kerley B lines are due to interstitial oedema.

While useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, chest x-ray findings may be non-specific.

While a chest x-ray can be useful for the diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, high-resolution CT scanning offers more information regarding the extent of disease and staging for prognosis.[12]Sung A, Swigris J, Saleh A, et al. High-resolution chest tomography in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia: utility and challenges. Curr Opin Pulm Med. 2007;13:451-457. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17940493?tool=bestpractice.com

Development of hypoxaemia indicates need for consideration of mechanical ventilation.

Peak expiratory flow is useful for monitoring response to therapy and is predicted based on the patient's age, height, and sex (charts available to identify predicted value).

Condition presents with acute onset of wheeze or dyspnoea after accidental aspiration of liquids, mucus or food, or immediately post extubation. Clinical examination reveals frequent coughing, stridor, and increased work of breathing with or without inability to phonate.

Hereditary angio-oedema can be assessed by testing the activity level of C1 esterase inhibitor. Diagnosis of idiopathic angio-oedema is based on clinical grounds.

Condition presents, predominantly in men aged 20 to 50 years, with lethargy, fatigue, dyspnoea at rest, daytime hypersomnolence, and frequent night-time awakening. Clinical examination reveals hypersomnolence and signs of cor pulmonale (dyspnoea on minimal exertion, hepatomegaly, peripheral oedema, jugular venous distention).

Chest x-ray findings are areas of patchy atelectasis due to hypoventilation.

CT scan aids in evaluating the extent and location of the empyema, which may assist in guiding definitive drainage procedures.

There are no differentiating signs on chest x-ray between haemothorax and pleural effusion.

CT scan aids in evaluating the extent and aetiology of haemothorax.

Chest x-ray is the most rapid way to confirm the diagnosis. Three or more rib fractures are required to generate instability of the thoracic cage, leading to flail chest. Respiratory acidosis is more often due to the underlying lung injury.

CT scan aids in evaluating the possibility of damage to the adjacent lung and mediastinal structures.

Serological diagnosis of scleroderma includes a panel of autoimmune antibodies including antinuclear antibodies, topoisomerase antibodies, and anti-ribonucleoprotein antibodies.[16]Steen VD. Autoantibodies in systemic sclerosis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2005;35:35-42. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16084222?tool=bestpractice.com

High-resolution CT is useful for determining presence and severity of pulmonary involvement in scleroderma. Early findings include ground glass infiltrates suggestive of alveolitis. As the disease progresses, fibrosis, honeycombing, and traction bronchiectasis predominate.

X-rays should be in the anteroposterior plane.

HLA-B27 antigen is not required for the diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis. It is positive in 92% of white patients with the disease but can have variable presence in other racial groups.

TSH above the upper limit of the laboratory reference range is considered elevated. If TSH is elevated, free thyroxine (FT4) should be assessed. Elevated TSH associated with low FT4 is consistent with primary hypothyroidism.[17]Devdhar M, Ousman YH, Burman KD. Hypothyroidism. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2007;36:595-615. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17673121?tool=bestpractice.com

If TSH is elevated, FT4 should be assessed. Elevated TSH associated with low FT4 is consistent with primary hypothyroidism.[17]Devdhar M, Ousman YH, Burman KD. Hypothyroidism. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2007;36:595-615. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17673121?tool=bestpractice.com

Diagnosis made by prompt recognition of potential exposure to offending agents and exclusion of other causes for presenting symptoms (e.g., infection). Condition presents with history of recent exposure to paralytic agents (e.g., induction for anaesthesia) or organophosphates (e.g., insecticides) and, with the latter, is associated with increased secretions, abdominal pain, fatigue, and confusion, depending on the agent ingested. Clinical examination may reveal ataxia, slurred speech, coma, miosis, diaphoresis, or fasciculations, depending on the exposure.

CT imaging of the cervical spine is the standard of care test in suspected high cord trauma.

Three views of the cervical spine should be obtained: anterior-posterior, lateral, and odontoid.

Condition presents with ascending weakness and/or tingling beginning in the lower extremities, which can spread to the upper body and arms, incontinence, back pain, and difficulty speaking. An antecedent viral infection or tick bite may also be reported. Clinical examination reveals the cardinal signs of hyporeflexia or areflexia combined with symmetrical lower extremity weakness, as well as cranial nerve and sensory deficits, and ileus.

While the diagnosis is typically made on clinical grounds, a lumbar puncture may assist in excluding other aetiologies for the presenting symptoms. A normal lumbar puncture does not exclude this diagnosis.

FVC <30 mL/kg should prompt monitoring in an intensive care unit. If FVC is <15-20 mL/kg, prophylactic intubation should be considered.[18]Lawn ND, Fletcher DD, Henderson RD, et al. Anticipating mechanical ventilation in Guillain-Barré syndrome. Arch Neurol. 2001 Jun;58(6):893-8. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/779520 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11405803?tool=bestpractice.com

Values below these thresholds should be considered an indication for prophylactic intubation.

Gadolinium contrast administration allows visualisation of active plaques.

Visual or somatosensory nerve stimulation

If myasthenia gravis is suspected as the aetiology of respiratory acidosis, management of impending respiratory failure is key.[10]Cabrera Serrano M, Rabinstein AA. Usefulness of pulmonary function tests and blood gases in acute neuromuscular respiratory failure. Eur J Neurol. 2012;19:452-456. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21974753?tool=bestpractice.com FVC should be monitored every 4 hours and, if <15 mL/kg or the patient is unable to clear secretions, elective intubation should be considered.

Degree of degeneration depends on stage of disease.

Elevation in creatine kinase is typically seen in muscular dystrophy.

Creatine kinase elevations are nearly uniformly seen. Additional tests of muscle inflammation (aldolase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) can also be abnormal.

Imaging may be useful to assist with site of potential muscle biopsy.

Also known as the 'sniff test'.

Condition presents with painful muscle spasms and stiffness, trismus (lockjaw), and dysphagia in unimmunised people. Clinical examination reveals muscle spasms, rigidity, autonomic instability, and seizures.

Condition presents with gastrointestinal complaints and cranial nerve paralysis when due to food-borne aetiologies, and with trauma and fever in wound-associated botulism. Clinical examination reveals cranial nerve deficits, symmetrical descending paralysis, and signs of autonomic involvement (orthostatic hypotension, dry eyes, dry mouth, and ileus).

Serological types A, B, and E of the botulinum toxin cause the majority of botulism cases in humans, with type E typically found in fish. Toxin levels may also be measured in urine and stomach contents.

Mouse injected with suspected contaminated sample (with and without botulinum antitoxin) is monitored for botulism.

Reduced amplitude of muscle action potential in response to single or low-frequency stimulation. Increased muscle action potential response following high-frequency or tetanic stimulation.

Distinguishes botulism from Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Positive during acute phase. Serum should be sent for acute and convalescent titres of the 3 major polioviruses. Appropriate interpretation of antibodies depends on the timing of the infection related to symptoms.[19]WHO. New approaches to poliovirus diagnosis using laboratory techniques: memorandum from a WHO meeting. Bull World Health Organ. 1992;70:27-33. http://whqlibdoc.who.int/bulletin/1992/Vol70-No1/bulletin_1992_70(1)_27-33.pdf http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1348972?tool=bestpractice.com

Microbiological cultures should be taken before the initiation of antibiotics if the patient's clinical state permits.

The caffeine-halothane contracture test is used; muscle biopsies in malignant hyperthermia elicit contractures at lower levels than those from standardised controls when exposed to caffeine and halothane.[20]Schneiderbanger D, Johannsen S, Roewer N, et al. Management of malignant hyperthermia: diagnosis and treatment. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2014;10:355-62. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4027921 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24868161?tool=bestpractice.com [21]Allen GC, Larach MG, Kunselman AR. The sensitivity and specificity of the caffeine-halothane contracture test: a report from the North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry. The North American Malignant Hyperthermia Registry of MHAUS. Anesthesiology. 1998 Mar;88(3):579-88. https://journals.lww.com/anesthesiology/fulltext/1998/03000/the_sensitivity_and_specificity_of_the.6.aspx http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9523799?tool=bestpractice.com

Condition presents with history of recent laparoscopic surgery. Clinical examination can be normal or demonstrate a distended abdomen or postoperative changes associated with recent surgery.