[An automated method of measuring the area of contrasted bronchi]

An automated method for measuring the area of the contrasted bronchi is described. The method involves two research stages. The first one consists of routine bronchography provided to patients suffering from pulmonary diseases according to indications. The second stage is reduced to the digital treatment of the bronchograms to measure the area of the contrasted bronchi. The method is used for the diagnosis of functional bronchial disorders. The bronchial area was measured on the bronchograms taken at the height of inspiration and expiration. Using the data obtained and the appropriate formula, the so called integral coefficient of bronchial constriction was calculated. It allows functional disorders of bronchial patency to be diagnosed and a quantitative expression of that pathology to be evaluated.