Abstract

Hytrast, a new bronchographic medium of high iodine content, provides excellent radiographic contrast. A number of clinical, pathological, and experimental studies have revealed inflammatory changes after pulmonary retention of Hytrast. Examination of 43 unselected pneumonectomy specimens after Hytrast bronchography revealed typical crystals in 15 instances. The pulmonary reaction included macrophage and foreign body giant cell accumulation, neutrophil leucocyte exudation, and fibrosis within terminal bronchioles and alveoli. It was concluded that these changes were associated with Hytrast retention.