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Pathology - Pulmonary thromboembolism
Definition: Occlusion of a pulmonary artery by an embolic thrombus.
Epidemiology: Highly prevalent and frequently underdiagnosed.
Aetiology • Pulmonary emboli arise from deep vein thromboses, thus sharing identical risk factors, including immobility, acute medical conditions, recent surgical procedures, malignancy, pregnancy, and both inherited and acquired thrombotic diseases.
Pathogenesis: A piece of a detached thrombus from deep vein thrombosis embolizes via the right side of the heart into the pulmonary arterial circulation and becomes lodged in a pulmonary artery.
The clinical presentation is contingent upon the size of the pulmonary artery obstructed by the embolus. • Blockage of a large pulmonary artery usually leads to rapid death due to a sudden massive rise in pulmonary arterial pressure, acute right ventricular failure, and cardiac arrest. • Occlusion of medium-sized arteries results in a region of ventilation-perfusion imbalance in the lungs, leading to dyspnea. • Minor pulmonary emboli may produce mild manifestations of dyspnea, thoracic discomfort, and vertigo; these symptoms can often remain undetected.

Macroscopy
• Emboli appear as thrombi pieces within pulmonary arteries. • Thrombi are solid and brown, with the sliced surface potentially displaying discernible bands (lines of Zahn). Histopathology: Fresh thromboemboli consist of a composite of fibrin and interwoven blood cells, frequently organized in alternating linear bands that align with the macroscopic lines of Zahn. • Thromboemboli undergo organization after 2–3 days, characterized by the proliferation of granulation tissue consisting of fibroblasts and capillaries derived from the vessel wall. • Aged thromboemboli may manifest as fibrous nodules protruding from the vessel wall or as fibrous bands traversing the lumen of a pulmonary artery.

Prognosis
• Approximately 30% of all patients succumb to pulmonary embolism. • The mortalityz risk significantly increases if the diagnosis is not promptly established.


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Pathology - Nasopharyngeal Diseases
Nasopharyngeal angiofibroma is a rare benign soft tissue tumor that only affects young guys, with a peak onset age of 15 years. • Histology reveals a highly vascular neoplasm with variable diameter arteries surrounded by a cellular fibrous stroma. The lesion is covered by an intact sinonasal epithelium. Local recurrence occurs in 720% of cases after surgery.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is a malignant epithelial tumor that develops in the nasopharynx. Adults may have nasal congestion, hearing loss, or tinnitus. • Incidence varies geographically, with southern China, Thailand, and the Philippines having higher rates. • Strong link between EBV and nutrition. • Histology classifies tumors into three types: non-keratinizing, keratinizing, and basaloid. Radiation therapy is typically used to treat the majority of instances. 5-year survival rate: 60%


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Pathology - Pathologies of the larynx
Vocal chord nodules are benign neoplasms of the laryngeal mucosa. Nodules mainly occur in young women and are linked to vocal abuse. • Exhibit alterations in vocalization. • Minor lesions located in the central third of both vocal cords. Histology reveals a lump with an edematous stroma that subsequently turns fibrotic.
Vocal fold polyp is a non malignant proliferation of the laryngeal mucosa. • Manifestations can arise at any age and are equally prevalent among genders. • Exhibits alterations in vocal quality. • Pertains to the ventricular space or Reinke's space of a single vocal chord. Histology reveals a polyp characterized by a stroma that may exhibit variable oedema, myxoid, hyaline, or fibrous properties.

Laryngeal amyloidosis is a localized variant of amyloidosis. • Typically occurs in the false vocal cords. • Manifestations include alterations in vocal quality. Histological analysis reveals the accumulation of amorphous eosinophilic substance behind the epithelium. Amyloid exhibits staining with Congo Red and reveals chromatic alterations under polarized light. The amyloid typically originates from light chain immunoglobulins.

Squamous papillomas is a predominant benign laryngeal neoplasms. • Linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. Bimodal age of incidence: under 5 years and between 20 to 40 years. • Exhibit alterations in vocalization. Histology reveals branching exophytic papillary fronds enveloped by non-descript squamous epithelium. • Pediatric patients typically exhibit a more aggressive disease with early recurrences and an increased likelihood of metastasis outside the larynx. • Adult patients generally demonstrate a more favorable prognosis with less frequent recurrences.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a predominant malignant tumor of the larynx. • Predominantly affects older persons, with a preference for males. • Correlation with tobacco and alcohol misuse. • Exhibits alterations in vocal quality. Histological examination reveals infiltrating nests of malignant epithelial cells with squamous differentiation. • Prognosis is contingent upon the stage of the tumor at presentation.


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Cystic fibrosis
Definition: An hereditary condition resulting from a mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene.

Epidemiology • The predominant fatal genetic disorder among European people. Approximately 1 in 2,500 infants born in the United Kingdom (UK) are diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Genetics: Inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. The CFTR gene is located on chromosome 7q and encodes a chloride ion channel. More than 1,400 variants have been identified, with the most prevalent being a deletion at position 508 that results in the loss of a phenylalanine amino acid (the ZF508 mutation). The ZF508 mutation induces improper folding of the CFTR protein, leading to its breakdown within the cell. • Alternative mutations may yield a properly situated protein, however with dysfunctional activity. The absence of normal CFTR leads to impaired electrolyte transport across epithelial cell membranes, leading in the production of viscous mucus discharges.

Presentation • The majority of patients exhibit lung illness resulting from recurrent infections. Initially, typical bacteria inhabit the lungs; nevertheless, Pseudomonas aeruginosa frequently emerges as the predominant organism. Additionally, pancreatic insufficiency is prevalent. • Bowel obstruction might arise during the newborn period due to thick meconium (meconium ileus) or manifest later in childhood. • Liver illness manifests at a later stage. • Certain cases may be identified when elevated serum immunoreactive trypsin is detected during newborn screening.

Macroscopy • Lungs from older children typically have extensive bronchiectasis. • The liver may present with steatosis and, in severe instances, may be cirrhotic. Histopathology The lungs exhibit bronchiectatic airways filled with viscous mucus. Acute inflammation may occur in the presence of an active infection. The liver has thickened bile within the intrahepatic bile ducts. Periportal fibrosis may occur, which can advance to cirrhosis in more severe instances.

​Prognosis: The average lifespan is presently approximately 35 years. • The majority of individuals succumb to pulmonary illness.
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Pathology – Bronchiectasis
Definition • A pathological, irreversible dilatation of the bronchi, characterized by inflammation in the bronchial walls and surrounding lung tissue. Epidemiology • Rare in developed nations. • Continues to be a significant source of morbidity in developing nations.

Aetiology
• A structural condition stemming from a variety of diverse causes. • In industrialized countries, bronchiectasis is frequently connected to obstruction to a region of lung (e.g. tumour or foreign body) or in conjunction with cystic fi brosis. Numerous instances are determined to be idiopathic. In less developed nations, serious pulmonary infections are a significant cause.
Pathogenesis
• Believed to be a consequence of the deterioration of bronchial walls due to chronic inflammation. Scarring in the surrounding lung parenchyma exerts traction on the compromised bronchi, resulting in their permanent dilation.
Presentation: • Chronic productive cough and hemoptysis, potentially severe.
Macroscopy • The affected lung regions exhibit obviously dilated airways filled with mucopurulent material, extending to the pleural surface. • In obstructive instances, the etiology may be observed proximally, such as a neoplasm. Histopathology: Bronchial dilatation accompanied by significant chronic inflammation in the wall, frequently with lymphoid clusters and germinal centers. • Neighboring alveoli may exhibit acute and organizing pneumonia. Complications include pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular failure. • Accumulation of serum amyloid A protein in B-pleated sheets throughout many organs (AA amyloidosis)


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Pathology - Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Definition: A critical form of acute lung injury characterized by a PaO2:FiO2 ratio of less than 200 mmHg, accompanied by bilateral alveolar infiltrates on chest X-ray, and occurring in the absence of left ventricular failure.
Epidemiology: Rare occurrence.
Aetiology • Any significant lung injury may result in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). • Frequent etiologies encompass acute pneumonia, shock, trauma, numerous transfusions, and near-drowning. Pathogenesis • Significant lung injury results in extensive alveolar necrosis, severely disrupting normal gas exchange.
Presentation
• Intense dyspnea accompanied by indications of the underlying etiology. Macroscopy • Both lungs are generally significantly heavy and fluid-filled, frequently exceeding 1000g each (a normal lung weighs 730–400g). Histopathology • The histopathological signature is diffuse alveolar destruction, defined by hyaline membranes lining the alveolar spaces. • Hyaline membranes consist of a mixture of fibrin and necrotic alveolar epithelial cells.
Prognosis: A grave condition with fatality rates ranging from 30% to 50%, contingent upon the underlying etiology. • Survivors typically exhibit persistent pulmonary functional impairments.


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Pathology - Sinonasal malignancies
Sinonasal squamous cell cancer
• The most prevalent malignant tumor of the sinonasal tract. • Symptoms of a mass lesion in senior adults. • Common sites include the maxillary sinus, lateral nasal wall, and nasal septum. • Nasal tumors are keratinizing and strongly differentiated, while sinus tumors are non-keratinizing and less differentiated. • Nasal cavity-confirmed tumors have a fair prognosis (80% 5-year survival). The prognosis for sinus tumors is less favorable.
Sini asal Adenocarcinomas
Sinonasal adenocarcinomas are the second most prevalent malignant tumor of the sinonasal tract. • Most salivary-type adenocarcinomas occur in the maxillary sinuses and affect both men and women. Adenoid cystic carcinoma is the most prevalent histological form. Males are more likely to develop intestinal type adenocarcinoma, which typically affects the ethmoid sinus and nasal cavity. Occupational exposure has been linked to a variety of health issues, especially among wood workers. • Non-intestinal adenocarcinomas typically affect the ethmoid sinus and maxillary sinus.
Sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma
• This rare but aggressive malignancy in the sinonasal tract causes a big mass with bone destruction. • Histology reveals sheets of undifferentiated cells with significant mitotic activity and necrosis. • Prognosis is bad, with only 20% survival rate after 5 years.

Olfactory neuroblastoma
• Rare sinonasal malignancy of the olfactory epithelium. • Symptoms include nasal blockage, anosmia, and headaches. • Occurs at a bimodal age of 10-20 and 50-60 years. • Histology reveals lobules of tightly packed tiny spherical blue cells, which can form pseudorosettes or real rosettes.
Malignant Melanoma
• This unusual sinonasal malignancy causes nasal blockage, discharge, and pain. • Histology reveals malignant melanocytes that can proliferate in a variety of patterns. > The prognosis is generally poor.


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Pathology - Benign Sinonasal Diseases
Sinonasal polyps are benign polypoid lesions located in the sinonasal canal. They are typically caused by repeated bouts of infection or allergic rhinitis. • Occurs primarily in adults. Cystic fibrosis may be present in children, accompanied by nasal blockage. Polyps have an oedematous stromal core and sinonasal-type epithelium.
Schneiderean papillomas
• Sinonasal papillary lesions are benign and originate in the sinonasal epithelium. • The exophytic type originates from the nasal septum and consists of papillary fronds covered in bland squamous epithelium. • Endophytic (inverted) type: lobules of transitional/squamous epithelium with many intraepithelial microcysts. • Oncocytic (cylindrical) type: exophytic and endophytic proliferation of columnar oncocytic epithelium with many intraepithelial microcysts. • All types have a risk of local recurrence if incompletely removed. The inverted form carries the highest recurrence risk.

Allergic fungal sinusitis is caused by an allergic reaction to common fungal antigens. Symptoms include nasal itching and discharge. Severe cases can result
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Pathology - Malformations of the respiratory tract
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia
A diaphragmatic abnormality resulting from the failure of the pleuroperitoneal canals to seal during the 8 to 10 weeks of gestation. • Bowel loops and the liver may herniate into the thoracic cavity, exerting pressure on the developing lung, resulting in lung hypoplasia. • Infants typically exhibit respiratory failure, with a mortality rate of 50% within 24 hours after birth.
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation
A lung mass consisting of terminal bronchioles. Normal alveoli are absent. Typically, just one lobe is affected. • Numerous cases identified with prenatal ultrasonography at 20 weeks of gestation. • The majority induce a certain level of respiratory discomfort, necessitating surgical removal.
Pulmonary sequestration
A distinct mass of lung tissue lacking any normal attachment to the respiratory tract. • Sequestrations possess a systemic blood supply. • The majority are intrapulmonary and located in the left lower lobe. • Up to fifty percent of extrapulmonary sequestrations may be linked to other defects. • Pulmonary sequestrations can get infected or result in significant haemoptysis.
Laryngomalacia
• A very prevalent disorder characterized by the collapse of the epiglottis and arytenoid cartilages during inspiration. • Neonates affected exhibit inspiratory stridor within the initial weeks of life. The stridor may exacerbate until approximately 6 months of age and subsequently improve progressively. • The majority of children exhibit no symptoms by 24 months.


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