Abstract
Periosteal new bone formation secondary to intrathoracic lesions such as pneumonia, empyema, bronchogenic carcinoma or tuberculosis, spoken of as pulmonary osteoarthropathy or generalized osteophytosis, 1 is a well recognized clinical entity. Theories of the factors responsible for the new bone formation have varied from that of toxic absorption from focal infections in the chest 2 to changes in the acid-base equilibrium through decreased aeration as a result of constriction of the bronchi or of lung compression and collapse.
To explain the etiologic factor responsible for these peripheral bone changes, we have attempted to produce them in experimental animals. Before and after creating intrathoracic complications in dogs, roentgenograms were made of the long bones of the lower extremities and the calcium and phosphorus and carbon dioxide content and H ion concentration of the blood serum were determined. These studies were repeated at varying intervals and no significant changes in the blood chemistry were found.
Of 9 dogs, into whose right pleural cavity from 100 to 300 cc. of parafin were injected, one survived 9 months and 2 are still alive after a period of nearly 18 months. In each instance, in addition to the mechanical pressure on the lung by the parafin, there was a prompt pleural effusion which almost completely displaced air-containing tissue on the right half of the chest. No periosteal reaction or new bone formation along the shafts of the long bones could be demonstrated in any of these dogs although frequent x-ray examinations were made. Blood chemistry studies were made at frequent intervals. No consistent or significant blood changes were noted following the injection of the parafin.
Using a method described by one of us 3 collapse of one or more lobes of the lungs of 13 dogs was accomplished.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.