EFFECT OF ACUTE APPENDICITIS AND OF LOBAR PNEUMONIA ON THE THORACIC AND ABDOMINAL RESPIRATORY MOVEMENTS IN CHILDREN

It is common knowledge that the movement of the abdominal wall during respiration may be restricted in acute appendicitis. This study was undertaken to determine by an objective method the relative frequency of this restriction, and its value and limitations as an adjunct in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in children. PROCEDURE For some years, patients presenting abdominal signs or symptoms suggesting the presence of appendicitis were studied. Other patients also were observed as controls. The respiratory movements of the abdomen and of the chest with the child in the supine position were recorded simultaneously on a smoked drum, and the heights of the two curves were compared. The pneumograph which I employed was made from a light coil spring 1 inch (2.5 cm.) in diameter and about 6 inches (15 cm.) long, wrapped closely and sealed in thin rubber sheeting. The resulting tube was then closed at one end