[Current possibilities of echography in pneumological diagnosis (preliminary note)]

Various types of echographies are presented, and it is concluded that the bi-dimensional echography, also called type B or echo-tomography is the most useful for the study of pulmonary affections, and of compact formations in contact with the pulmonary tissues. With the aid of Model E.D.B. Unirad sonograph (Technicare, USA), and of the Scintron 5 computer (Scintag, Berthold, Switzerland) 6 patients with pleurisy of various extension, one patient with fibrothorax, and 2 patients with pulmonary tumours have been examined. Five of the cases are presented. Echotomography has demonstrated its usefulness in measuring the thickness of the thoracic wall, in establishing by means of a non-invasive technique the solid or fluid character of pleural affections, in assessing the structure of pachypleuritis and in detecting changes induced by tumours, or atelectasia in the vicinity of the pleura. However, the method does not provide information on round peripheral tumours which do not come into contact with the pleura. Also this method cannot replace other methods already used in the pneumological practice, but can provide supplementary informations without any risks for the patient.