[Value of pulmophonography in the diagnosis of pleural complications in closed thoracic injuries].

Mathematical analysis of the qualitative and quantitative signs of pulmophonograms taken in 103 patients with closed chest trauma complicated by hemothorax, pneumothorax, and traumatic exudative pleurisy and a changed method of pulmophonographic examination showed that the diagnosis of these complications can be established. The exact diagnosis was made in 87.4% of cases. The authors discuss the differential diagnosis of pneumo- and hydrothorax recognized by this method and various pathological conditions of the lungs. Areas of hypoventilation were present in the lungs after removal of fluid or air from the pleural cavity for 2-4 days.