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Pathologic features of lung biopsy specimens from influenza pneumonia cases
1Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL.
Abstract:
Most histopathologic descriptions of influenza pneumonia are based on autopsy findings in fatal cases during epidemics and pandemics of influenza. We describe the histologic findings of influenza pneumonia observed in biopsy material derived from six sporadic cases of influenza (influenza A, four cases; influenza B, one case; and influenza A and B, one case). Four patients recovered completely, one patient died, and one was lost to follow-up. In addition to confirming previously published pathologic descriptions of influenza pneumonia, we also document a spectrum of less severe histologic findings with mild acute lung injury and bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia.
Insights
This study details the lung biopsy findings in six sporadic influenza pneumonia cases, revealing common and less severe histologic patterns. It expands understanding beyond fatal epidemic descriptions.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pathology
Background:
- Histopathologic descriptions of influenza pneumonia typically rely on autopsy data from severe epidemic/pandemic cases.
- Limited data exists on the histological presentation of influenza pneumonia in non-fatal, sporadic cases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the histopathologic findings of influenza pneumonia in biopsy specimens from sporadic cases.
- To compare biopsy findings with existing autopsy-based descriptions.
- To identify a spectrum of histological changes, including milder forms.
Main Methods:
- Histologic examination of lung biopsy samples from six patients with confirmed influenza (A or B).
- Correlation of findings with clinical outcomes (recovery, death, follow-up).
Main Results:
- Confirmed previously described severe histopathologic features of influenza pneumonia.
- Documented a range of milder findings, including mild acute lung injury.
- Identified bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia as a less severe manifestation.
Conclusions:
- Influenza pneumonia exhibits a spectrum of histopathologic findings, not solely severe patterns seen in fatal cases.
- Biopsy analysis provides valuable insights into milder forms of influenza-induced lung injury.
- Histologic findings in sporadic cases can include mild acute lung injury and organizing pneumonia.