In reviewing a PFT result that shows FEV1/FEV% of 61% and SVC of 89% predicted, which condition could this represent?

The interpretation of the pulmonary function test (PFT) results showing a FEV1/FEV% of 61% along with an SVC of 89% predicted suggests a pattern consistent with obstructive lung disease. The FEV1/FEV% ratio being below the normal threshold of approximately 70% indicates an obstructive pattern, which is often seen in conditions like asthma, chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis.

A decreased FEV1 means that the maximum volume of air one can forcibly exhale in one second is significantly diminished, reflecting airway obstruction typical in these diseases. The SVC (slow vital capacity) value being close to normal (89% predicted) suggests that while there is some obstructive element, there is also preserved lung capacity, which can occur in these conditions particularly when they are stable or mildly exacerbated.

Given that asthma can present with episodic airway obstruction, chronic bronchitis is characterized by long-lasting cough and sputum production with chronic airway narrowing, and bronchiectasis involves permanent dilation of airways often leading to chronic infections and obstructive patterns, it is possible that a patient could exhibit features of all three conditions. This is particularly true in patients with a history of smoking or recurrent respiratory infections