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IPLab:Lab 12:Radiation Fibrosis

Revision as of 21:12, 9 July 2020 by Peter Anderson (talk | contribs) (Autopsy Findings)
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Contents

Clinical SummaryEdit

This 56-year-old female was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy followed by radiation therapy. After 5 years without problems, the patient developed decreased exercise tolerance, dyspnea on exertion, shortness of breath, and an unintentional 15 pound weight loss. Recurrence of the breast cancer was identified but the patient opted for palliative therapy and subsequently expired at home.

At autopsy there was metastatic carcinoma in the pericardium, chest wall, diaphragm, both lungs, and mediastinal lymph nodes. Areas of pleural thickening with adhesions and interstitial fibrosis were found involving the anterior aspect of both lungs.

ImagesEdit

Virtual MicroscopyEdit

Study QuestionsEdit


Additional ResourcesEdit

Shortness of breath is a common clinical manifestation of heart failure.

Anthracotic pigment is coal dust deposited in the lungs--it is seen in coal miners, city-dwellers, and smokers.

Recanalization is the process of the forming of channels through an organized thrombus so that blood flow is restored.

Pulmonary congestion is the engorgement of pulmonary vessels with blood. The increased pressure caused by this engorgement leads to transudation of fluid through the capillary walls and into the alveolar and interstitial spaces.

Respiratory distress syndrome (or hyaline membrane disease) is a common complication of prematurity, though it can also be seen in term births. The syndrome results from the functional immaturity of the neonatal lung. The syndrome usually presents within one hour of birth and is initially exhibited clinically by rapid respirations, grunting, and substernal retractions.