Chronic Inflammation

Question 1

Chronic inflammation definition

Answer 1

Inflammation that lasts months/years

May or may not begin with acute inflammation

Does not show the cardinal signs of inflammation

A cycle of simultaneous injury and healing

Question 2

Causes of chronic inflammation

Answer 2

• Persistent infection
• Immune-mediated inflammatory disease (e.g. autoimmune disease)
• Prolonged exposure to toxic agents (e.g. silica)

Question 3

Characteristics of chronic inflammation

Answer 3

• Infiltration of mononuclear cells (macrophages, lymphocytes & plasma cells)
• Tissue destruction
• Attempts at healing, leading to angiogenesis and fibrosis

Question 4

Cells involved in chronic inflammation

Answer 4

The key difference between acute and chronic inflammation is the cells that they attract

Macrophages are the predominant cell type seen in chronic inflammation

The macrophages perpetuate inflammation by inducing lymphocytes which then produce cytokines which further activate macrophages

Question 5

Granuloma

Answer 5

A granuloma forms when macrophages collect in a particular area where there is resistance to phagocytosis

Question 6

Caseating granuloma

Answer 6

Cheesy-like consistency

Typical of a TB infection

Question 7

Non-caseating granuloma

Answer 7

Non cheese-like

Typical of an autoimmune disease

Question 8

Symptoms of chronic inflammation

Answer 8

• Systemic low-grade fever
• Weight loss
• Anaemia