[Fibrosing alveolitis--current aspects of the problem]

Review of the literature and author's data on the etiology, pathogenesis and morphogenesis of fibrosing alveolitis (FA) which is a stereotype manifestation of the majority of lung interstitial diseases is presented. FA is characterized by an acute or chronic, focal or diffuse non-purulent inflammation of the interstitium of respiratory lung areas resulting in interstitial fibrosis. FA early stage is characterized by an exudative-productive inflammation, the late stage -by sclerotic changes resulting in a block of the aero-hematic barrier and development of the respiratory failure and hypoxia. A leading role in FA morphogenesis belongs to the cell cooperation including alveolar macrophages, T-lymphocytes, fibroblasts and not infrequently polynuclear leukocytes. Alveolar macrophage is able not only to participate in the cell defence of lung tissue but to exert damaging sclerogenic effect as well. Nosological features of different interstitial lung diseases are better presented at an early stage of FA and are levelled in lung fibrosis progression.