[Functional morphology of the lungs in patients with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus]

The lungs of 20 patients (between the ages of 14 and 46 years) with tuberculosis and type I diabetes mellitus were subjected to a morphological examination with the help of a light and electron microscope. Thirteen patients were operated on for fibrous-cavernous tuberculosis and 7 for pulmonary tuberculoma. A duration of the concurrent diseases was 3 to 10 years (5.5 years, on average). All patients had a serious form of diabetes mellitus. The combined affection was characterized by a progressive course of tuberculosis with involvement of bronchi in the process. Specific features of tissue reactions pertinent to this combined pathology were revealed which comprised defective defense mechanisms (alveolar macrophages, type II alveolocytes and fibroblasts in the form of their dystrophy) generalized affection of pulmonary vessels, intensive fibre formation and disorganization of the forming connective tissue, which has a bearing on the development of the pathological process.