Pulmonary videodensitometry in the diagnosis of carcinoma of the lung

Pulmonary videodensitometry permits the detection of vascular pulsations of the lung caused by the incremental blood flow to the lung associated with systole. These pulsations may be diminished or absent in a segment of the lung affected by carcinoma. Of 46 patients evaluated, 12 had carcinoma. The technique is discussed and representative amplitude changes are demonstrated. This technique should prove useful in the detection of processes which alter the pulmonary vascular pulsations.