[Bronchography in children. Methodologic, statistical and functional findings]

The value of bronchography in the various respiratory diseases of childhood is examined. After a brief critical review of the historical development of bronchography, 10 cases encountered in the Pneumology Unit of Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin are examined in order to compare the indications to and results of bronchography. In the light of the results obtained guidelines for the selection of bronchography as a diagnostic procedure are presented, specifying the situations in which stratigraphy, CAT scans or NMR are not adequate substitutes and suggesting what should be the current role of bronchography in paediatrics.