Hepatization of lungs
Hepatization of the lungs is an old name for changes to the visual appearance of the lungs so that they resemble the liver.[1] This happens when they are gorged with effuse matter and are no longer pervious to the air. The main cause is lobar pneumonia. Hepatization appears in ultrasounds as consolidations.[2]
Red hepatization is the presence of red blood cells, neutrophils, and fibrin in the pulmonary alveolus/alveoli. The texture of the lungs changes, and, unlike healthy lungs, they no longer float if placed in a bowl of water.[3]
Red hepatization may precede or be found in combination with gray hepatization, where the red cells have been broken down, leaving a fibrinosuppurative exudate.[3]
Yellow hepatization is uncommon due to treatment with antibiotics, but it may occasionally be seen, e.g., during an autopsy.[1]
Transformation from red hepatization to gray hepatization is an example for acute inflammation turning into a chronic inflammation.
References
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Further reading
[edit | edit source]- Lectures on the diseases of the lungs and heart by Thomas Davies
- Medical Times 1841
- London Medical Gazette, December 8, 1843
