Cinefluorographic Observation of the Tracheobronchial Movements

¹ Professor of Otorhinolaryngology, Osaka City University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
² Lecturer in Radiology, Nagoya University Hospital

Tracheobronchial movements were studied cinefluorographically following the instillation of Dionosil into the tracheobronchial tract. Using the image amplifier the cinefluorography was performed under the exposure factor of 65 KVP and 2-3 mA. The film ran 16 frames/sec. and Fuji 16 mm. x-ray film was used. Films were projected on a screen repeatedly and the image of each frame was enlarged to normal size and traced on paper for measurement.

In normal individuals the respiratory changes in width, length and interbronchial angle of the tracheobronchial tree were measured. In pulmonary cancer the obstructed bronchus was restricted in its respiratory movement. In bronchiectasis the cystically dilated bronchus showed open and close action like a balloon connected to a tube. In bronchial asthma the bronchial wall was spastic and the lumen was narrow especially in the periphery. In bronchial tuberculosis the stenosed bronchus showed restricted movement. Following thoracic sympathicotomy, the movement of the tracheobronchial tree became slow and its tonus elevated.