[Search-frames]

[Search-no frames]

[UCHC Home]

[©]

[Feed Back]

[About]

Atelectasis

Etiology: • Obstruction of airway • Compression with fluid/blood/neoplasm/air in pleural space • Loss of surfactant

Pathogenesis: • Complete obstruction of inflow results in eventual absorption of air; partial obstruction results in hyperinflation • Compression results from increased intrathoracic pressure by accumulation of material generally in pleural spaces

Epidemiology: • Acquired in adulthood • Airway obstruction by foreign object or secretion • Pleural effusions with congestive heart failure

General Gross Description: • Dark purple, airless tissue • Hyperinflated regions are tan and pillowy

General Microscopic Description: • Collapse of alveolar septae against each other • May be difficult to separate from artifacts of sectioning

Clinical Correlations: • Reversible process • Correct underlying problem

References: • Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL. Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. W.B. Saunders. Philadephia 1994. pp.675.