11. Pulmonary Infarct - Gross
This gross photograph reveals a triangular, peripheral, subpleural
area that is solid and airless. This is the typical appearance of a
pulmonary infarct. It represents an area of coagulative necrosis
resulting from loss of oxygen. The anoxia (ischemia) is most commonly
due to detachment of a venous thrombus that is carried from the leg
veins to the right side of the heart and ultimately occludes a
pulmonary arterial branch (pulmonary thromboembolism). The infarct
appears red because of hemorrhage into the necrotic area. Hemorrhage
is favored by the dual blood supply of the lung and the loose texture
of the lung. Did this patient have clinical features suggestive of
pulmonary thromboembolism?
Answer
Copyright © 1999 by W. B. Saunders Company
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ISBN: 0-7216-8462-9
