IMPORTANCE OF BRONCHOGRAPHY IN CASES OF UNRESOLVED PNEUMONIA

Abstract

The frequent demonstration of bronchiectasis by bronchographic studies in cases of unresolved pneumonia¹ has led to this study of 40 patients with bronchiectasis admitted to the station hospital, Fort Eustis, Va., from April 20, 1942 to July 20, 1943.² It is the purpose of this paper not only to show the importance of bronchography in cases of unresolved pneumonia but also to demonstrate that in numerous cases pneumonitis secondary to bronchiectasis is misdiagnosed as primary atypical pneumonia. Atypical, or virus, pneumonia has become a disease of paramount importance in increasing the noneffective rate of military personnel during the past few years.³ It has been noted at this hospital, both by physical and by roentgen examination, that in the average case atypical pneumonia resolves in about ten days, although the course may be prolonged for several months without any special complications. However, in some cases a condition which on