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A Model of Self-limited Acute Lung Injury by Unilateral Intra-bronchial Acid Instillation
Published on: August 30, 2019
The pathologist's approach to acute lung injury
1Department of Pathology, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York 10029, USA. mbbeasleymd@yahoo.com
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|May 6, 2010
Summary
Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are serious lung conditions. Pathologists should recognize diverse histological patterns beyond diffuse alveolar damage in ALI cases to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Pathology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Histopathology
Background:
- Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are major causes of lung disease morbidity and mortality.
- Clinically defined ALI often shows diffuse alveolar damage histologically, but other patterns exist.
- Alternative patterns include acute fibrinous and organizing pneumonia, acute eosinophilic pneumonia, and diffuse hemorrhage with capillaritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diagnostic criteria for various histological patterns in clinical ALI.
- To provide diagnostic aids for these patterns.
- To discuss differential diagnoses for ALI.
Main Methods:
- Review of pertinent peer-reviewed literature.
- Incorporation of author's personal experience.
Main Results:
- ALI is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
- Histological patterns other than diffuse alveolar damage are associated with clinical ALI.
- Identifying alternative histological findings and potential etiologic agents is crucial.
Conclusions:
- Pathologists must recognize diverse histological findings in ALI.
- Awareness of non-DAD patterns in ALI impacts patient treatment and outcomes.
- Identifying etiologic agents, particularly infections, is vital for managing ALI.
