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Aspiration Pneumonia

Etiology: • Aspiration of gastric contents

Pathogenesis: • Gastric acid causes chemical bronchitis • Infection with accompanying organisms frequent.

Epidemiology: • Complicates coma, anesthesia. • Patients with prolonged vomiting • Patients with depressed gag reflex

General Gross Description: • Intensely congested bronchial mucosa • Particles of food may be grossly visible • Granular ulcerated mucosa may develop. • Patchy bronchopneumonia may develop in the adjacent parenchyma

General Microscopic Description: • Acute inflammation in the bronchial lumen • Acute inflammation of the bronchial wall • Marked acute congestion • Food particles may be visible under the scope • Neutrophils in the alveoli adjacent to terminal bronchioles • May develop into bronchopneumonia

Clinical Correlations: • Leads to bronchopneumonia • Complete recovery usual with appropriate management.

References: • Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL. Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. W.B. Saunders Philadelphia 1994. pp.694-698.