Roentgenographic Study on the Airways With Powdered Tantalum

Abstract

Although liquid iodinated contrast agents has ben used extensively in roentgenographic examination of the airways major disadvantages are associated with their use. For example, a relatively large amount of contrast material is required to fill rather than coat the surface of the airways and interferes the pulmonary function. Nadel et al. reported a new method using powdered tantalum as a contrast medium for bronchogarphy, and described its advantages.
We have obtained laryngograms using powdered tantalum in patients with laryngeal stenosis. Laryngography using powdered tantalum has several advantages compaired to other techniques:
1) No complication of dyspnea has been noted.
2) The laryngeal structures and fine mucosal detail were outlined with sharp contrast.
3) Coughing, swallowing, or phonation did not affect the roentgen appearance significantly.
4) Position of patient was arbitrary during roentgenological study.