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

1. Popper, Helmut (2016-12-22). Pathology of Lung Disease: Morphology – Pathogenesis – Etiology. Springer. pp. 123–124. ISBN   978-3-662-50491-8.
2. Doniger, Stephanie J. (2014-04-24). Pediatric Emergency Critical Care and Ultrasound. Cambridge University Press. p. 82. ISBN   978-1-107-43362-5.
3. Tomashefski, Joseph F. (2009-06-18). Dail and Hammar's Pulmonary Pathology: Volume I: Nonneoplastic Lung Disease. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 249. ISBN   978-0-387-68792-6.

Further reading

• Lectures on the diseases of the lungs and heart by Thomas Davies
• Medical Times 1841
• London Medical Gazette, December 8, 1843