The effect of bronchography on pulmonary ventilation

Using a gamma camera and the Xenon-133 washout method the reduction in lung function during unilateral bronchography was assessed in eleven patients. A considerable reduction in the washout rate was observed in the lung examined with bronchography both absolutely and compared with the opposite lung. Some improvement occurred after coughing out the contrast medium. It is concluded that the ventilatory function of the lungs is considerably impaired during bronchography and this should be borne in mind when referring patients with reduced lung function for this examination.