C5.6 Ventilation and perfusion scans

The ventilation and perfusion (V/Q) scan may be difficult to interpret in COPD patients, because regional lung ventila­tion may be compromised leading to matched defects. If pulmonary emboli are suspected, a CT pulmonary angio­gram may be more useful. Quantitative regional V/Q scans are helpful in assessing whether patients are suitable for lung resection and lung volume reduction surgery.