Premium
New technique for roentgenographic study of airways and lungs using powdered tantalum
Author(s) -
Gamsu Gordon,
Nadel Jay A.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.052
H-Index - 304
eISSN - 1097-0142
pISSN - 0008-543X
DOI - 10.1002/1097-0142(197211)30:5<1353::aid-cncr2820300532>3.0.co;2-2
Subject(s) - medicine , tantalum , bronchiectasis , chronic bronchitis , pathology , lung , respiratory system , radiology , anatomy , chemistry , organic chemistry
Outlining of the tracheobronchial tree with contrast agents is a valuable roentgenographic tool, but the usual media have many disadvantages. We have devised a new method of opacifying airways by outlining them with powdered tantalum. The small volume of tantalum required does not interfere with pulmonary function, fine mucosal detail of the airways is obtained, and the contrast material is not dislodged by respiratory maneuvers. Microscopic studies of lung tissue show no inflammatory reaction. The technique has proved useful in the diagnosis of various diseases of the airways and lungs (e.g., carcinoma, emphysema, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tracheal stenosis). We have utilized serial roentgenograms to determine the clearance of tantalum and have demonstrated that impaired clearance may occur in the area of a tumor. Thus, impaired clearance may provide diagnostic information in the localization of carcinoma.