[Lung densitometry in radiologic follow-up diagnosis in burn patients]

Chest x-ray films obtained by means of a portable x-ray apparatus were reviewed in 101 patients with skin burns and/or burns of the airways. The densitometric difference between measurements at a specific area in the sixth intercostal space lateral to the right hilus, and another measurement area in the mediastinum at the level of the sixth thoracic vertebral body correlated inversely with a radiographic adult respiratory distress syndrome score as suggested by Rommelsheim and Thelen. Our findings suggest that the densitometric difference between mediastinum and lung may aid in the evaluation of ARDS, especially if x-rays have different exposure parameters.