Respiratory Pathology 1 (Non-Neoplastic) Flashcards
What is the radiographic appearance of a lung abscess?
Cavitating lesion
Air-fluid level
What are the risk factors for developing a lung abscess?
Aspiration Immunosuppression Bronchial obstruction Chronic lung damage Bacteraemia Staph and Gram negatives causing pneumonia
Why are lung abscesses most common in the right lower lobe?
Right main bronchus more vertical
How do infections responsible for abscesses cause necrosis?
ROS
Proteases from inflammatory cells
Proteases from bacteria
What is the natural environment of aspergillus?
Soil
What patients are particularly susceptible to aspergillus infections?
Those with pre-existing lung condition
What is secondary TB?
Reactivation of TB
Usually due to immunosuppression
What are the symptoms of secondary TB?
Cough
Fever
Weight loss
Malaise
What medication can predispose to secondary TB?
Corticosteroids
What is primary TB?
First infection
Forms Ghon complex, usually in upper half of right lower lobe
What are the symptoms of primary TB?
Usually asymptomatic and self-limiting
Why are lesions of secondary TB typically located in the apices of the lungs?
High oxygen concentration
What are the histopathological features of TB?
Granuloma
What histological changes take place with healing of TB in immunocompetent people?
Scar
What is a Ranke complex?
Calcified Ghon lesion + ipsilateral calcified hilar lymph node
What tests are available for diagnosing TB?
Mantoux Quatiferon gold Interferon gamma release assay Zeihl-Neelsen stain PCR
How should you change the management if active TB is suspected?
Isolation
Is TB a notifiable disease?
Yes
What are some non-infectious causes of granulomatous inflammation in the lung?
Sarcoidosis Hypersensitivity pneumonitis Granulomatosis with polyangiitis Churg-Strauss syndrome Aspiration pneumonia Rheumatoid nodules Bronchocentric granulomatosis Foreign body
What are some differential diagnoses for shortness of breath developing in seconds to minutes?
Anaphylaxis PE Arrhythmias Anxiety Pneumothorax Acute asthma ARDS
What are some differential diagnoses for shortness of breath developing in hours to days?
Asthma Pneumonia Heart failure Infective exacerbation of COPD Pleural effusion