CT fluid bronchogram: observation in postobstructive pulmonary consolidation

Twelve patients with bronchial obstruction secondary to either cancer or broncholith were evaluated with chest radiography and computed tomography (CT). Chest radiography showed nonspecific lobar consolidation (12 cases), bulging fissure (6 cases), and air bronchogram (1 case). CT revealed air bronchogram, CT angiogram sign, bulging fissure, and fluid bronchogram in all six cases with partial bronchial obstruction (except for absence of air bronchogram in one case). CT fluid bronchograms were also present in the remaining six cases with total bronchial obstruction. Because of the lobar atelectasis, bulging fissure was absent in all six of these patients. CT angiogram signs and air bronchograms were observed in only half of the patients. CT is, therefore, very useful in detailed evaluation of postobstructive pulmonary consolidation. We particularly stress that the term "CT fluid bronchogram" should be applied when the bronchi are filled with fluid instead of air.