RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Interpreting pulmonary function tests: Recognize the pattern, and the diagnosis will follow JF Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine JO Cleve Clin J Med FD Cleveland Clinic SP 866 OP 881 VO 70 IS 10 A1 Feyrouz Al-Ashkar A1 Reena Mehra A1 Peter J. Mazzone YR 2003 UL http://www.ccjm.org/content/70/10/866.abstract AB When interpreting pulmonary function tests, one should first try to determine the pattern of abnormality: is it obstructive, restrictive, or normal? Pulmonary function tests cannot by themselves distinguish among the potential causes of abnormalities, and must be interpreted in light of the patient’s history, physical examination, and ancillary studies. Once a pattern is recognized, the diagnosis will often follow.