Clinical imaging
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Twelve patients with bronchial obstruction secondary to either cancer or broncholith were evaluated with chest radiography and computed tomography (CT). Chest radiography showed nonspecific lobar consolidation (12 cases), bulging fissure (6 cases), and air bronchogram (1 case). CT revealed air bronchogram, CT angiogram sign, bulging fissure, and fluid bronchogram in all six cases with partial bronchial obstruction (except for absence of air bronchogram in one case). ⋯ CT angiogram signs and air bronchograms were observed in only half of the patients. CT is, therefore, very useful in detailed evaluation of postobstructive pulmonary consolidation. We particularly stress that the term "CT fluid bronchogram" should be applied when the bronchi are filled with fluid instead of air.
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The computed tomography (CT) findings in two cases of posttraumatic bamboo foreign bodies imbedded for many years in lung parenchyma are presented. These foreign bodies consisted of relatively cylindrical structures of high density, and were highly suggestive of bamboo.