USE OF IODIZED OIL IN DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF BRONCHIAL AFFECTIONS

Iodized oil is used as an opaque medium in the roentgenographic study of body cavities. It was first employed by Sicard and Forestier in 1921 as an aid in locating and demonstrating obstructions of the spinal canal, and later was used successfully by the originators in exploring dilatations, fistulous tracts and cavities of the bronchial tree and the pulmonary tissues. Since October, 1924, we have employed iodized oil in the form of bronchial injections as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent. This article is based on the results of this study and also the writings of Sicard and Forestier, Sergent and Cottenot, Nigoul-Foussal, Ballon, Archibald and others. The iodized oil we have employed is the chemical compound of 40 per cent metallic iodine with oil of poppy seeds described and used by Forestier. The oil and iodine are so closely combined that the ordinary starch test fails to reveal free iodine.