Pulmonary Pathology

Lung Cancer Pathology Study Guide

Lung Cancer In the United States of America (USA), lung cancer is the cancer that kills people most commonly. Key risk factors for lung cancer include: Cigarette smoke Radon exposure Asbestos exposure Because of the more than 60 carcinogens found…
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Respiratory Distress Syndrome Pathology Study Guide

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is due to damage to the alveolar-capillary junction that is widespread (diffuse alveolar damage). Edema and the development of hyaline membranes in alveoli are caused by the leakage of protein-rich fluid.…
VASCULAR PATHOLOGY

Pulmonary Hypertension Pathology Study Guide

Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension refers to a form of high blood pressure that affects the pulmonary circuit (mean arterial pressure > 25 mmHg; normal is 10 mmHg). Pulmonary hypertension condition is characterized by atherosclerosis of the pulmonary trunk, smooth muscle…
Asteroid Body in Sarcoidosis

Restrictive Lung Diseases Pathology Study Guide

Restrictive Lung Diseases Restrictive lung diseases are characterized by restricted filling of the lung where the FVC is more decreased than FEV1 resulting in a FEV1/FVC ratio of above 70%. Restrictive lung diseases are most commonly caused by interstitial diseases…
Intracranial Pressure

Traumatic Brain Injuries Pathology Study Guide

Epidural Hematoma An epidural hematoma develops when blood accumulates between the skull and dura mater. Epidural hematomas are usually the result of skull fracture and rupture of a major vessel of the brain. Neurologic symptoms like lucid intervals may come…
Smoking-Related Interstitial Diseases that Cause Restrictive Lung Diseases

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Pathology Study Guide

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Airflow obstruction from the lungs is a symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory lung disease. A triad of disorders are associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary…
Nasopharynx and Larynx Pathology

Nasopharynx and Larynx Pathology Study Guide

Nasopharynx Rhinitis Rhinitis is inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Adenoviruses are the most commonly known cause of rhinitis. Common symptoms of rhinitis include: Sneezing Congestion Runny nose A type I hypersensitivity reaction (such as one in response to pollen) causes…
Acute Rheumatic Fever

Valvular Disorders Pathology Study Guide

Valvular Disorders The heart has four valves: Aortic valve Pulmonic valve Tricuspid valve Mitral valve The cardiac valves ideally prevent backflow. Valvular lesions generally result in stenosis or regurgitation. Acute Rheumatic Fever Acute rheumatic fever is caused by group A…
Endocarditis Pathology

Endocarditis Pathology Study Guide

Endocarditis Endocarditis is inflammation of the endocardium. Endocarditis is typically brought on by a bacterial infection. Streptococcus viridans is the most frequent cause of endocarditis. Streptococcus viridans is a low-virulence bacteria that spreads to damaged valves. Damaged cardiac valves are…
Cardiac Tumors

Cardiac Tumors Pathology Study Guide

Cardiac Tumors Cardiac tumors are neoplastic conditions that effect the heart. Cardiac tumors to be aware of include: Myxomas Rhabdomyomas Metastatic tumors to the heart Myxoma Myxomas are benign mesenchymal tumors. Myxomas are the most common benign primary cardiac tumors.…