Lung autopsy
Revision as of 11:33, 13 March 2020 by Mikael Häggström (talk | contribs) (→Microscopic evaluation: Templated)
Author:
Mikael Häggström [note 1]
Autopsy of the lungs, not including larger pulmonary vessels (instead summarized at Autopsy - Other thorax).
Contents
Basic autopsy cutting
In non-forensic Autopsy:
- Dissect the pulmonary arterial system, from the pulmonary trunk and including at least segmental arteries.
- Dissect the bronchial tree, at least to segmental bronchi. Check for obstructions.
- Make some additional sections through the lung parenchyma. Squeeze at each side to detect any pus and edema.[1]
Further information: Autopsy
Gross evaluation
- A spongy consistency, and watery and frothy liquid being pressed from the parenchyma, indicates simple edema.[2]
- A spongy consistency and reddish (blood-stained) fluid being pressed from the parenchyma, indicates acute congestion.[2]
- A brownish or dark reddish color of the fluid pressed from the parenchyma indicates chronic congestion, and may not have a spongy consistency.[2]
Fixation
Generally 10% neutral buffered formalin.
See also: General notes on fixation
Microscopic evaluation
Template:Main lung microscopic evaluation Additional potential findings are mentioned in the general Lungs article.
Reporting
Report findings and if they are consistent with already known diagnoses.
Example:
Presence of sideophages indicating chronic heart failure. Prominent vessels, including alveolar capillaries, and a moderate lymphocytic infiltrate, consistent with chronic heart failure or acute decompensation. |
Further information: Autopsy
Notes
- ↑ For a full list of contributors, see article history. Creators of images are attributed at the image description pages, seen by clicking on the images. See Patholines:Authorship for details.
Main page
References
Image sources