Transient pulmonary impairment during attacks of Crohn's disease.

Lung function was studied in 10 patients with Crohn's disease during and after an attack of the disease. Pulmonary volumes and lung transfer factor were not impaired but functional residual capacity was greater during the attack than during remission; it was also greater than in normal subjects. FRC values and disease activity decreased concomitantly during remission as well as finger clubbing. The etiology of this impairment was unknown.