Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
07:51

Refined Murine Model of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Published on: June 17, 2025

1.4K

Fibrous pleural plaques detected at autopsy

Nursel Türkmen1, Bülent Eren2, Ümit Naci Gündoğmuş3

  • 1Department of Forensic Medicine, Uludağ University Medical Faculty, Department of Bursa Morgue, Council of Forensic Medicine of Turkey, Bursa, Turkey.

Maedica
|February 24, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Forensic autopsy revealed pleural plaques in an 84-year-old male, initially suspicious after a traffic accident. Histological examination confirmed these fibrotic, calcified lesions on the pleura and diaphragm.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic pathology
  • Pulmonary pathology

Background:

  • Autopsies are crucial for determining cause of death, especially in suspicious cases.
  • Pleural plaques are fibrous or fibrocalcific thickenings of the parietal pleura.

Observation:

  • A traffic accident victim, an 84-year-old male, presented with fractures and skin lesions.
  • Macroscopic examination revealed blood in the left chest cavity and white lesions on the pleura and diaphragm.
  • Histological analysis of pleural lesions showed fibrotic, hyalinized structures with calcified foci.

Findings:

  • The autopsy identified pleural plaques, characterized by fibrotic and calcified changes.
  • These findings were incidental in the context of the fatal traffic accident.

Implications:

  • Investigating pleural plaques during forensic autopsies aids in their scientific classification.
  • Understanding the nature and prevalence of pleural plaques in autopsy cases is important for public health and occupational disease research.
Keywords:
fibrous plaqueforensic autopsypleura

More Related Videos

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion03:22

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion

Published on: November 10, 2023

2.0K
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease04:44

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease

Published on: June 16, 2020

21.2K

Related Concept Videos

Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description01:30

Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description

The pleura is a vital part of the respiratory system. It's a double-layered membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the chest cavity. The two layers of the pleura are:
1.0K
Pleura of the Lungs01:13

Pleura of the Lungs

The lungs are nestled in a cavity, shielded by the pleura. The pleura, a form of serous membrane, wraps around each lung. This membrane arrangement consists of two layers: the visceral and parietal pleurae. The visceral pleura lines the surface of the lungIn contrast, the parietal pleura is the outer layer and contacts to the thoracic wall, the mediastinum, and the diaphragm. The hilum is the point of connection between the visceral and parietal layers. The space between the parietal and...
11.1K
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
572
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction01:25

Pleural Effusion I: Introduction

Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
6.0K
Amyloid Fibrils03:03

Amyloid Fibrils

Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins.  Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils. 
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen.   In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining,...
13.2K
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation01:31

Respiratory System Abnormal Finding II: Palpation and Auscultation

In assessing respiratory abnormalities, palpation and auscultation are critical tools for detecting and interpreting various pathophysiological changes. These techniques provide insight into underlying disorders by evaluating tactile sensations and sounds produced by the respiratory system.
Palpation Findings
During a respiratory assessment, palpation can reveal several vital abnormalities:
2.1K