Abstract
The relationship between massive atelectasis and pulmonary suppuration has been a subject of much controversy during the past few years. Some believe that once massive atelectasis has developed, a suppurative process is inevitable. Others, however, are of the opinion that a suppurative lesion develops only when the obstruction producing the atelectasis contains infective organisms; or when an embolus is engrafted upon an atelectatic area.
The following experimental investigation was carried out to determine the effect of septic and aseptic emboli engrafted upon an atelectatic lung. Massive atelectasis of the left lung was produced in each of 8 dogs by the silver nitrate cauterization technique. 1 Three emboli were introduced into the jugular vein of each animal, and subsequently lodged in the lung. Two of the emboli were infected with staphylococci, spirochetes, and fusiform bacilli; the third was sterile. Each emboli contained a lead pellet and could thus be located by roentgenogram.
Results.—None of the animals died. They were sacrificed at the end of 11 days, 3 1/2 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks, and 5 months. Gross, microscopic and roentgenologic examinations were made. Over 66 2/3% of the emboli lodged in the atelectatic
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