Pathology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and pneumonia

Question 1

Pathological characteristics of ARDS

Answer 1

-Severe diffuse damage to alveolar capillary wall

Question 2

Clinical characteristics ARDS

Answer 2

• rapid onset of severe life threatening respiratory insufficiency
• in some cases get progression to extrapulmonary multisystem organ failure

Question 3

Etiology of ARDS

Answer 3

• complication of numerous/diverse conditions

- include direct injury to lung or complication of systemic disorders

Question 4

Direct lung injuries that cause ARDS

Answer 4

1. Diffuse pulmonary infections
2. Inhaled irritants (oxygen toxicity)
3. Gastric aspiration

Question 5

Systemic conditions that cause ARDS

Answer 5

1. Septic shock
2. Shock associated with trauma, burns, pancreatitis, complex abdominal surgery, narcotic overdose, paraquat poisoning
3. Near-drowning

Question 6

Pathogenesis of diffuse alveolar damage

Answer 6

Gram-negative sepsis model: