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| Atelectasis | ||
| Etiology • Obstruction of airway • Compression with fluid/blood/neoplasm/air in pleural space • Loss of surfactant | ||
| Pathogenesis • Complete obstruction of inflow results in eventual absorption of air; partial obstruction results in hyperinflation • Compression results from increased intrathoracic pressure by accumulation of material generally in pleural spaces, | ||
| Epidemiology • Acquired in adulthood • Airway obstruction by foreign object or secretion • Pleural effusions with congestive heart failure | ||
| General Gross Description • Dark purple, airless (non-crepitant) tissue • Hyperinflated regions are tan and pillowy •Examples: | ||
| General Microscopic Description • Collapse of alveolar septae against each other • May be difficult to separate from artifacts of sectioning •Examples: | ||
| Clinical Correlation • Reversible process • Correct underlying problem | ||
| References • Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 675. Please be patient during transfer. Medline will open in a new window. To return, close the Medline Window Atelectasis
| Synopsis by: Melinda Sanders M.D. (T28000M34310)[139]
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