Difference between revisions of "IPLab:Lab 12:Radiation Fibrosis"

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== Clinical Summary ==
 
== Clinical Summary ==
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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.
  
This 60-year-old white female had developed retraction of her left nipple six years earlier, at which time breast carcinoma was found. A radical mastectomy was performed. Examination of the surgical specimens showed metastases in regional lymph nodes and local irradiation was thus administered. Two years later, carcinoma of the right breast was found. Following a modified mastectomy, more irradiation was given. A year later the patient developed recurrences for which chemotherapy (cytoxan and adriamycin) was given. After a two year period without problems, the patient developed decreased exercise tolerance, dyspnea on exertion, shortness of breath, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and orthopnea increasing in severity over 10 days. Chest examination revealed decreased breath sounds with dullness over the left base. Chest x-ray showed a globose cardiac silhouette and left pleural effusion. A pericardiectomy was done because of suspected cardiac tamponade; however, the patient died soon after the operation.  
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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.
  
 
== Autopsy Findings ==
 
== Autopsy Findings ==

Revision as of 21:11, 9 July 2020

Clinical Summary[edit]

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.

Autopsy Findings[edit]

There was metastatic carcinoma in the pericardium, chest wall, diaphragm, both lungs, and mediastinal lymph nodes. Severe nonobstructive cardiomyopathy, probably secondary to adriamycin, was found. Areas of pleural thickening with adhesions and interstitial fibrosis were found involving the anterior aspect of both lungs.

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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.