PFT results with Jo1 antibody

[math_editor]

I am a 48 y/o female, 5'6" and 123. I have never smoked, but both of my parents smoked when I grew up. I have Jo1 antibody/possible antisynthetase syndrome. I have had shortness of breath for 18 months, but it's been persistent since May. Now it comes as soon as I've walked for a few minutes, done household work, etc. I am seeing a pulmonologist, who performed a PFT. Here are my results:

Fvc % Predicted: 108    
      Pre Fev1: 2.86    
      Post Fev1: 3.12    
      Fev1 % Predicted: 117    
      Pre Fev1/Fvc: 76    
      DLCO/VA: 112    
      Tlc: 118    
      Pre Fef 25-75: 94    
      Post Fef 25-75: 120

He said I have reactive airways and almost full-blown asthma, but he said the bigger problem is the antisynthetase syndrome. I have joint pains/swelling, Raynaud's phenomenon, muscle weakness (started in May in my legs but is now also in my arms). I had a lung scan in October to look for ILD; the report said there was no evidence of it. The pulmonologist disagrees, saying mucus plugging and minimal volume loss at the base of my lungs are proof I have a lung problem. He said my rheumatologist needs to address the autoimmune problem. He prescribed Dulera, 200/5, two puffs twice a day. Are my PFT results indicative of anything? I have no idea how to read them.

Thank you.

[math_editor]

Thank you for your help!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hi, the commonly measured values are FEV1 and FVC, which are forced expiratory volumes. Your values are within the normal range, but the fact that there is improvement in the pre and post testing shows that there is bronchospasm which responds to bronchodilators. So, you need therapy. And CT scan shows only the anatomical changes it cannot assess the functional capacity. So, you have consider the PFT values and get treated. Regards.