Whispered pectoriloquy

Whispered Pectoriloquy is a medical term referring to an increased loudness of whispering noted during auscultation with a stethoscope on the lung fields on a patient's back.

Overview

Whispered pectoriloquy refers to the phenomenon where whisper sounds are clearer and louder when listening to the lungs. This is often due to consolidation of the lung tissue, which can occur in conditions such as pneumonia. The sound of a whisper is normally muffled by the healthy lung tissue, but when the tissue is consolidated, the sound waves are able to travel more directly to the surface of the body, making the whisper sound louder and clearer.

Clinical Significance

Whispered pectoriloquy is a clinical sign often used in the diagnosis of certain respiratory conditions. It is one of the three main vocal resonance tests, the other two being Bronchophony and Egophony. These tests are used to assess the presence of lung consolidation, which can occur in conditions such as Pneumonia and Lung Cancer.

Procedure

The procedure for testing whispered pectoriloquy is simple. The patient is asked to whisper a phrase while the healthcare provider listens with a stethoscope on the patient's back. If the whispered words are heard clearly and loudly, this suggests the presence of lung consolidation.

Limitations

While whispered pectoriloquy is a useful clinical sign, it is not definitive proof of lung consolidation. Other tests, such as a Chest X-ray or CT scan, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

See Also

• Bronchophony
• Egophony
• Pneumonia
• Lung Cancer

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