From the Guidelines
Egophony is a clinical finding during lung examination where spoken sounds, particularly the letter "E," are heard as "A" through a stethoscope when listening over areas of lung consolidation. This occurs because fluid or solid material in the lungs changes the transmission of sound vibrations, causing this characteristic vocal distortion. When performing this test, the examiner asks the patient to say "E" while listening with a stethoscope; if egophony is present, the sound is heard as "A" instead. This finding is particularly important in diagnosing conditions like pneumonia, pleural effusion, or lung tumors, as it indicates the presence of abnormal lung tissue density. Egophony is typically accompanied by other abnormal breath sounds such as bronchial breathing or increased vocal resonance. Physicians use this simple bedside test as part of a comprehensive respiratory examination to help localize areas of lung pathology before confirming with imaging studies like chest X-rays or CT scans. The provided evidence does not directly address egophony, but it discusses various aspects of hoarseness and dysphonia, which are related to voice quality and respiratory health 1. However, the definition and clinical significance of egophony are well-established in medical practice, and it remains a valuable diagnostic tool in respiratory medicine. In clinical practice, identifying and addressing the underlying cause of egophony is crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing morbidity and mortality related to lung diseases. Therefore, clinicians should prioritize the use of egophony as a diagnostic tool in patients with suspected lung consolidation or other respiratory conditions. This approach can help guide further diagnostic testing and treatment, ultimately improving patient quality of life and reducing the risk of complications. Key points to consider when evaluating egophony include:
- The patient's medical history and symptoms
- The presence of other abnormal breath sounds
- The need for further diagnostic testing, such as imaging studies
- The potential for underlying conditions, such as pneumonia or lung tumors
- The importance of prompt treatment and follow-up care to improve patient outcomes.
From the Research
Definition of Egophony
- Egophony is a change in timbre, specifically a change from "Ee" to "A", but not pitch or volume 2.
- This change is due to a decrease in the amplitude and an increase in the frequency of the second formant, produced by solid tissue, including compressed lung, interposed between the resonator and the stethoscope head.
Clinical Significance
- Egophony is a valuable but often neglected sign in clinical practice 2.
- It can be used to detect certain lung pathologies, such as consolidation or pleural effusion.
- However, there may be difficulties in learning and understanding egophony, as well as physiologic false-positive occurrences 2.
Related Diagnostic Tools
- Lung ultrasound is a useful tool in the assessment of dyspnoeic patients in the emergency department 3.
- Thoracic ultrasound is a noninvasive and portable diagnostic tool that can be used to quickly assess thoracic emergencies, such as pneumothorax or pneumonia 4.
- Electronic stethoscopes can be used to record high-quality lung sounds, which can be used to develop automated methods for detecting pulmonary diseases 5.