[Distribution of blood in lungs in the sudden infant death (author's transl)]

In 67 cases of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) the distribution of blood in the lungs was examined by staining paraffinsections of 50 mu with benzidine. A focal, acute emphysema and, frequently, a diffuse, alveolar and also interstitial emphysema exists in all cases. In all parts of the lungs atelectases and dystelectases, some of them covering larger areas, are found. Both atelectases and dystelectases show a high degree of hyperaemia coupled with expanded alveolar capillaries, while emphysematous areas show reduced blood volume. The possible functional significance of the disorder in blood distribution in the lungs for increased hypoxemia and the death mechanism are discussed.