[Pathology of the lungs in patients with acute arterial obstruction in the lower extremities]

The course of the early postoperative period has been analysed in 325 patients with acute thrombosis and embolism; the results of 104 autopsies have been reviewed and macro- and microscopic lung studies have been performed using light microscopy. It has been established that broncho-pulmonary complications are most frequently encountered in the early postoperative period. Morphological changes in the lungs are proportional to the duration and severity of acute ischemia. In durable and severe ischemia the changes are progressing and are characterized by the elements of the "shock" lung. The morphological changes observed specify mechanisms of the onset of acute respiratory failure and broncho-pulmonary complications. They must be taken into consideration during intensive therapy.