PULMONARY ATELECTASIS, WITH ESPECIAL REFERENCE TO MASSIVE COLLAPSE OF THE LUNG

Abstract

Introduction. History. Clinical Observations. Postoperative Massive Collapse. Collapse Following Paralysis of the Intercostal Muscles. Collapse Associated with Minor Embolus and Pleuritis. Necropsy Findings in Pulmonary Collapse. Signs and Symptoms. Etiology. Decreased Respiratory Force. Bronchial Obstruction. The Production of Atelectasis. The Relation of Atelectasis to Pneumonia. Summary. INTRODUCTION In a consideration of clinical phenomena, the application of a new and unfamiliar name to a special phase of a well known pathologic condition may add complexity and confusion rather than increased clarity, and serve to isolate it from allied conditions which share certain fundamental relationships. The term massive collapse, originated by Pasteur, is unfortunate in this respect, since it has led to a neglect of the clinical and experimental data on the general subject of pulmonary atelectasis. It is true that Pasteur considered that massive collapse of the lung differs from lobular or patchy collapse and partial deflation, but he based this