Random shit from SBAs

Question 1

What are Curschmann’s spirals?

Answer 1

These are found in the sputum of asthmatics. They are spiral shaped mucus plugs. They may occur in several different lung diseases.

Question 2

What are the four stages of pneumonia?

Answer 2

Pneumonia has four stages, namely consolidation, red hepatization, grey hepatization and resolution.

Consolidation

Occurs in the first 24 hours
Cellular exudates containing neutrophils, lymphocytes and fibrin replaces the alveolar air
Capillaries in the surrounding alveolar walls become congested
The infections spreads to the hilum and pleura fairly rapidly
Pleurisy occurs
Marked by coughing and deep breathing (Atkuri & King, 2006; Steyl, 2007

Red Hepatization

Occurs in the 2-3 days after consolidation
At this point the consistency of the lungs resembles that of the liver
The lungs become hypeaemic
Alveolar capillaries are engorged with blood
Fibrinous exudates fill the alveoli
This stage is “characterized by the presence of many erythrocytes, neutrophils, desquamated epithelial cells, and fibrin within the alveoli” (Atkuri & King, 2006; Steyl, 2007)

Grey Hepatization

Occurs in the 2-3 days after Red Hepatization
This is an avascular stage
The lung appears “gray-brown to yellow because of fibrinopurulent exudates, disintegration of red cells, and hemosiderin”
The pressure of the exudates in the alveoli causes compression of the capillaries
“Leukocytes migrate into the congested alveoli” (Atkuri & King, 2006; Steyl, 2007)

Resolution

This stage is characterized by the “resorption and restoration of the pulmonary architecture”
A large number of macrophages enter the alveolar spaces
Phagocytosis of the bacteria-laden leucocytes occurs
“Consolidation tissue re-aerates and the fluid infiltrate causes sputum”
“Fibrinous inflammation may extend to and across the pleural space, causing a rub heard by auscultation, and it may lead to resolution or to organization and pleural adhesions” (Atkuri & King, 2006; Steyl, 2007)

Question 3

What are Kulchitsky cells?

Answer 3

Kulchitsky cells are endocrine cells characterised by a granular or pale pink cytoplasm. They are widely distributed in the gastrointestinal tract.

Question 4

What are lines of Zahn?

Answer 4

riblike markings seen by the naked eye on the surface of antemortem thrombi; they consist of a branching framework of platelets and fibrin separating the coagulated blood cells. Usually in heart or aorta

Question 5

Tell me about type II respiratory failure

Answer 5

It is characterised by hypoxia and hypercapnia.

Can be divided into:

1. Failure of drive
   
   • Brainstem abnormalities or suppression by sedatives
2. Respiratory pump failure
   
   • Neurological abnormalities
   • Chest wall deformities (obesity, scoliosis)
   • Airway obstruction (COPD)