II. Pathophysiology
- Air containing Bronchus
- Surrounded by collapsed or consolidated lung
- Abnormal fluid filled alveoli (Pneumonia, blood or edema) or Atelectasis outline Bronchi
- Results in black branching appearance surrounded by white
- Air Bronchograms are useful in several additional ways
- Air Bronchograms only occur in conditions affecting the lung
- Suggest that secretions able to exit from a consolidated region via Bronchi (good prognostic sign)
III. Interpretation
-
Lung Consolidation with fluid filled alveoli or Atelectasis
- Fluid filled alveoli may be caused by Pneumonia, Pulmonary Hemorrhage or Pulmonary Edema
- Absence of Air Bronchogram within Lobar Pneumonia
- Evaluate for central lung tumor
-
False Negative
- Poorly penetrated films (white)