Bronquiectasias.

Abstract

This monograph, one of the<i>Manuales de Medicina Practica</i>, gives a vivid description of the clinical types of bronchiectasis seen in Argentina, including roentgenographic observations and discussions of the physiopathology of the disease, certain pathologic features and therapeutic methods. The structure of the bronchi was studied by bronchography with opaque oil, by tomography and by a special photographic technic called "broncorrelievografía," by which means minute details of the bronchi filled with opaque oil were sharply demonstrated. The morphologic types of bronchiectasis are classified as (1) cylindric, (2) ampullaceous, (3) saccular and (4) maniliform. The authors found that the acquired form occurred more frequently than did the congenital, and they postulate that chronic infections are the most important causes of the acquired forms. No favorite methods of therapy are especially advocated. Bronchoscopic examinations or treatments were apparently not often utilized. No enthusiasm is expressed for lobectomy. An extensive bibliography is appended.