Lung Pathology

Question 1

Consolidation

Answer 1

Consolidation of the lung is simply a ‘Solidification of the lung tissue due to accumulation of solid and liquid material in the air spaces that would have normally been filled by gas.

Question 2

Radiological features of consolidation

Answer 2

Opacity of the affected area , lobule or lobe
Loss of clarity of the heart border , diaphragm and or vertebral bodies
Patchy consolidation may be seen with bronchopneumonia while confluent consolidation seen in lobar pneumonia

Question 3

Atelectasis / collapse

Answer 3

An airless state of the lung tissue which may involve all or,part of the lung

Question 4

Clinical features on CXR and auscultation

Answer 4

CXR- white grey shadow , with loss of volume and shifting of structures ( only visible on CXR if significant collapse).

Question 5

Chronic Bronchitis

Answer 5

A disease of the airways , characterised by excess mucus secretion and a productive cough. Once the cough has become excessive for 3 months a year for over 2 years it can be classified as chronic bronchitis

Question 6

Pathology of chronic bronchitis

Answer 6

Repeated inhalation of tobacco smoke irritates the lining of the airways leading to inflammation, hyper-secretion and bronchospasm. The inflammation causes narrowing in the small distal airways and then the large proximal airways. The acute inflammation resolves but leads to fibrotic changes and scarring.