[Etiology of shock lung: case report (author's transl)]

In a woman, 29, two times resection and anastomosis of the small intestine because of extended infarction was performed. Following peritonitis and septic shock a progressive respiratory insufficiency developed and patient died 48 hours later despite intensive ventilatory treatment. Autopsy findings were manifold vascular damage (aorta) and thromboembolisms in mesenteric vessels and iliac veins too. Patient received oral contraceptives over several years, changed the preparation previously and contraceptive therapy was continued with another one. Thromboembolic complications may understood as undesirable side effects of the contraceptives. By microscopy of lung thrombosis in capillaries was seen and in small arteries too, as embolism carried by the blood stream. In pathogenesis of shock lung macrothrombosis as an aetiologic factor is to be discussed.