[Pulmonary changes in myocardial infarct]

The authors examined 90 patients with myocardial infarction with a view to the lung changes developed and especially to the manifestations of pulmonary stasis. Series of face roentgenographies of the lungs were made of the patients in lying down position. In 76,7 per cent of the patients X-ray findings of pulmonary stasis were found. The dilated veins in the upper lung lobes are the earliest and most frequent manifestations, suggesting congestion. They are found in 23,3 per cent of the cases. Most important, among the X-ray findings, according to the authors, are those of perivascular edema--hilus images with widened and indistinct lines (24,4%). The X-ray findings of lung congestion and interstitial edema are early symptoms of pulmonary edema, in case the physical data from the lung examinations are negative. The therapeutic measures, at that stage, could prevent the development of a severe and very often fatal edema of the lungs.