Experimental Production of Bronchogenic Abscess of the Lung. ∗

Abstract

The etiology of post-operative lung abscess has been a subject of much interest and controversy during the past decade. Two theories have been presented as to the etiological factors of this condition, embolic and bronchogenic. Embolic lung abscess has been experimentally produced with almost routine regularity. Although most factors suggest a bronchial route of infection, little success has attended many ingenious methods by a large number of workers to produce this condition experimentally. The following method of producing bronchogenic lung abscess is presented because of its simplicity and dependability.

Eighteen dogs and 3 goats were narcotized with morphine sulphate. The infective organisms employed were human tubercle bacilli, H-119, which are a branch of the strain H-137. Under fluoroscopic control, a small ureteral catheter was passed through a bronchoscope into the finer ramifications of a tertiary bronchus of one of the lower lobes. By employment of the fluoroscope, the infective organisms could be placed in any desired part of the lobe. 0.2 cc. of a fairly heavy suspension of the organisms in lipiodol were injected into one or both of the lower lobes. The course of the lesion was followed by roentgen-ray. Cavities as large as 2.5 cm. in diameter could be demonstrated.

Results. Some of the dogs died due to the magnitude of the abscess cavity or to the added burden of infection spread to adjacent lobes. Other dogs were sacrificed at intervals. There was practically a routine production of an abscess cavity from 1 to 2.5 cm. in diameter following the injection. One goat died following the administration of barbital. Another goat developed convulsions and died soon after operation. The third presented an abscess 2.5 cm. in diameter demonstrable by roentgen-ray.