Bronchography via the fibreoptic bronchoscope

We have reviewed the results of 167 consecutive bronchograms carried out through the fibreoptic bronchoscope at the end of the bronchoscopic examination. Additional diagnostic information was obtained in 61 (37%) of the patients. Bronchiectasis was the most common finding and was particularly frequent in older patients with haemoptysis and a normal chest radiograph, in those with a chronic productive cough with a normal chest radiograph, and in a heterogeneous group with persistent lobar shadowing. The relative ease with which good quality bronchograms can be obtained via the fibreoptic bronchoscope has led us to discard more conventional methods except in children.