PubMed1976
Starting from a consecutive series of 53 bronchographies performed under local anesthesia, in subjects with carcinoma of the lung ascertained by operation, the Authors analyse both the bronchographical aspects which most frequently come under the surgeon's observation, and the usefulness of this investigation in formulating the operating plan. As regards carcinomas of the large and medium bronchi, the bronchographic aspects they found most frequently are occlusion (82%) both in the form of sudden arrest and in the form of a cone image and stenosis (18%). In peripheral carcinomas, on the other hand, most characteristic bronchographic signs are identified as occlusion (58%) (amputation and stenosis) and dislocation (38%) with rigidity of one or more small calibre bronchi (rigid impairment). On the basis of their experience the Authors conclude that bronchography constitutes an almost indispensable examination for diagnostic purposes in malignant neoplasias, especially in the initial stage, when located outside the field of action of bronchoscopy, and can supply elements indispensable in the preoperative operatability judgement. In fact it not only gives very reliable information on the anatomical situation of the bronchus, as well as on the site and presumed starting-point of the neoplasia, but also supplies more approximate elements with regard to the extent of the neoplasia and any presence of lymphoglandular metastases.