Evaluation of the Causes and Disease Processes of Chronic Lung Disease

The chronic lung diseases are those disorders associated with functional and/or structural derangement to the alveolar structures, airways, pulmonary blood vessels, pleura and/or mediastinum. The purpose of this project is to permit the comprehensive evaluation of patients referred to the Pulmonary Branch of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in order to: (1) develop an understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of these disorders; and (2) identify individuals who will be suitable candidates for other NHLBI protocols. Testing and procedures will only be performed when medically indicated for the purposes of making a diagnosis or obtaining information likely to be useful in the management of the subjects' disease or condition.