[Diagnosis of the obstructed pulmonary abscesses]

Only spot bronchography, and if its results are negative, transthoracal puncture permit a correct diagnosis of blocked or partially blocked pulmonary abscess in 2/3 of cases. This result is of importance for the choice of the treatment strategy in such patients. Use of thin or super-thin needles for puncture helped to do without serious complications and obtain reliable diagnostic information in 90% of cases.