Whispered pectoriloquy
Summary
Whispered pectoriloquy is the abnormal transmission of whispered voice through consolidated lung tissue, heard as clear whispering on auscultation. Indicates lung consolidation (pneumonia, atelectasis).
Detail
Normally, air-filled lungs dampen high-frequency sounds, making whispered speech unintelligible on auscultation. Consolidated tissue acts as a superior acoustic medium, transmitting whispered words clearly. This finding has high specificity (~90%) but lower sensitivity (~50%) for pneumonia. It is present over consolidation but absent over pleural effusions and pneumothorax. In clinical practice, whispered pectoriloquy helps localize and confirm consolidative processes.
Sources
- First Aid for the USMLE Step 1
- Pathoma
- Bates' Guide to Physical Examination
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