Pulmonology - Specific Findings

Question 1

Amniocentesis findings predictive of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

Answer 1

Lecithin : Sphingomyelin ratio < 1.5 : 1

Lecithin is a component of pulmonary surfactant

Question 2

Mesothelioma - Histological Findings

Answer 2

Ferruginous bodies - asbestos fibers coated in hemosiderin

Psammoma bodies

Question 3

Growth / culture requirements of Legionella pneumophilia

Answer 3

Charcoal yeast extract + Cystine + Iron

Gram stain’s poorly - visualized with Silver Stain

Question 4

Ferruginous bodies

Answer 4

Hemosiderin-coated lines seen on biopsy of lung tissue; indicative of asbestos exposure

Question 5

Which lung cancers are associated with asbestos exposure?

Answer 5

Bronchogenic carcinoma (more frequent)

Mesothelioma

Question 6

Charcot-Leyden crystals

Answer 6

Breakdown products of eosinophils; identified in a sputum sample as needle-shaped crystals within hazy whorls of mucus

Common finding in bronchial asthma

Question 7

Reid Index

Answer 7

Thickness of glandular layer / thickness of total bronchial wall

> 50% in chronic bronchitis