Arterial carbon dioxide tension

MRSA Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Paco2 Arterial carbon dioxide tension... 

Respiratory acid-base disorders are caused by altered alveolar ventilation producing changes in arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaC02). Respiratory acidosis is characterized by increased PaC02, whereas respiratory alkalosis is characterized by decreased PaC02. 

Patients with severe COPD can have a low arterial oxygen tension (Pa02 45 to 60 mm Hg) and an elevated arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaC02 50 to 60 mm Hg). Hypoxemia results from hypoventilation (V) of lung tissue relative to perfusion (Q) of the area. The low V Q ratio progresses over several years, resulting in a consistent decline in the Pa02. 

Measurements of rCBV in man by PET not only reveal the expected regional difiFerences due to difiFerences in vascular density between grey and white matter, but also provide a clear delineation of the major vascular structures, primarily venous, surrounding the brain. Furthermore, the responsiveness of the cerebral blood volmne to changes in arterial carbon dioxide tension observed with emission tomography compare favorably with such measurements obtained by a variety of other such techniques (10). 

---