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Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Etiology

Result of diffuse capillary damage in the lung with capillary leak
Pathogenesis

Endothelial cell damage (direct, secondary to inflammatory cells and mediators esp neutrophils, due to endotoxin)
Capillary leak into the alveolae with accumulation of edema and proteinaceous, necrotic material that forms hyaline membranes
Edema interferes with gas exchange,
Epidemiology

Direct toxicity due to smoke inhalation, drugs etc.
Secondary effect of profound hypoxia and circulatory failure
General Gross Description

Heavy lungs which are deep reddish purple and stiff
•Examples:
General Microscopic Description

Congestion of the vessels and proteinaceous acellular edema in the alveolae
Accumulation of vividly eosinophilic, acellular hyaline membranes against alveolar septae
Organize into circular fibrous swirls which over time replace alveoli
Occasionally resolve completely
•Examples:
Diffuse Alveolar Damage (4X) Diffuse Alveolar Damage (20X) Diffuse Alveolar Damage (40X ) Diffuse Alveolar Damage (4X ) Diffuse Alveolar Damage (40X) Diffuse Alveolar Damage (20X)
Clinical Correlation

Sequel to severe trauma or other life threatening condition
Rapid development of profound respiratory failure
Fatality rate is approximately 60%
References

Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 676-678.

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Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T28000D77050)[353]
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