Chronic Inflammation 1

Question 1

What is the definition of chronic inflammation?

Answer 1

• inflammation where lymphocytes, plasma cells and macrophages are involved
• features tissue or organ damage (necrosis), loss of function
• may follow from acute inflammation or arise as primary pathology
• long-term
• healing and repair (granulation tissue, scarring and fibrosis)

Question 2

What is the clinical presentation of chronic inflammation?

Answer 2

• malaise and weight loss (tuberculosis (lung, lymph node, bone, kidney, skin)
• loss of function (leprosy, Crohn’s disease)

Question 3

When can chronic inflammation arise?

Answer 3

• arise as primary lesion (only chronic changes appear)

- arrive from acute inflammation (large volume of damage, inability to remove debris, fails to resolve)

Question 4

What is the outcome of acute inflammation?

Answer 4

• healing and repair
• granulation is a characteristic of tissue organisation
• leads to fibrosis and formation of a scar

Question 5

What is granulation tissue mechanism?

Answer 5

• fibroblasts lay down collagen to repair damaged tissue
• collagen replaces inflammatory exudate
• contracts and pulls together

Question 6

What are the products of granulation tissue?

Answer 6

• fibrous tissue (scar)

Question 7

When can fibrosis be a problem?

Answer 7

• adhesions between loops of bowel following peritonitis

- progression to chronic inflammation

Question 8

What can cause a primary chronic inflammation?

Answer 8

• autoimmune disease (autoantibodies directed against own cells and tissue components)
• lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages, fibrosis
• material resistant to digestion
• exogenous substances
• endogenous substances
• granulomatous inflammation common

Question 9

What autoimmune diseases can set off a primary chronic inflammation?

Answer 9

• thyroiditis
• rheumatoid disease
• pernicious anaemia
• systemic lupus erythematosis