Bronchopulmonary Tissue Research Articles

The Vascular Pattern of the Lung as Seen on Routine and Tomographic Studies

The Roentgen anatomy of the lung as seen on routine studies is a composite of contrasting shadows cast by air, blood, bronchopulmonary tissues, and lymphatics. The interpretation of this composite pattern in health and disease is quite reliable, but some limitations are encountered depending upon the site and type of the pathological process. Recognition of the normal and abnormal vascular pattern on tomograms and routine films has proved to be of definite value in the interpretation of lung roentgenograms. In order to evaluate the vascular changes, a basic knowledge of the pulmonary anatomy is desirable. This study endeavors to present the prevailing normal pattern while recognizing that many variations may be found. Malpighi, in 1661, first described the bronchovascular anatomy of the lung. At the end of the nineteenth century Aeby and Ewart reported a study of the air passages by injection technic, but their concern was primarily with the comparative anatomy of the bronchial tree. It was Ewart who firs...

Water-soluble contrast medium for bronchography.

WITH THE increased use of segmental and wedge resection in the management of surgical disorders of the lungs and bronchi bronchography has increased in importance and in frequency of application as a diagnostic procedure for the accurate localization of diseased bronchopulmonary tissue. The experiences of the last 25 years with the iodized oils routinely used for bronchography have given rise to several valid objections to these mediums. The objections chiefly center about the slow disappearance of these substances from the lungs, with lesser objections to certain of their physical and chemical characteristics. The persistence of the radiopaque organic iodides frequently obscures or confuses subsequent roentgenograms for long periods. The persistence of the oily vehicle is a definite hazard to the patient, for it has irritative qualities which occasionally lead to chronic lipoid pneumonia or to oil granuloma. The presence of the oil also decreases pulmonary function and increases the frequency