Inhalation bronchography using powdered calcium ioglycamic acid.

In 16 baboons, reproducible bronchograms could be achieved by inhalation of 400--800 mg of powdered calcium ioglycamic acid. Anesthesia, tracheal intubation, or premedication were not necessary. In patients and volunteers, the inhalation of the contrast medium dust caused strong cough. Local anesthesia allowed inhalation for about 10 minutes, which resulted in successful demonstration of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea with bifurcation. Lobular and segmental bronchi were demonstrated only after a longer inhalation time. The contrast medium was completely eliminated and did not cause any recognizable adverse reaction. Nonspecific inflammatory reaction of the bronchial mucosa was seen microscopically in baboons.