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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 – Pericarditis
Definition • Inflammation of the pericardium.
Epidemiology: Rare occurrence.
Aetiology
Infections are a prevalent etiology, which may be viral (coxsackievirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human immunodeficiency virus), bacterial (extension from pneumonia, acute rheumatic fever, tuberculosis), or fungal.
• Full-thickness acute myocardial infarction induces pericarditis affecting the region above the infarct. Other miscellaneous reasons encompass severe renal failure ('uraemic' pericarditis), hypothyroidism, multisystem autoimmune illnesses (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus), cardiac surgery, radiation, malignant infiltration, and certain pharmaceuticals.
Pathogenesis
Injury to the pericardium elicits an inflammatory reaction.
Presentation
• Central chest pain exacerbated by inhalation or supine position and alleviated by an upright posture. • A significant pericardial effusion may induce dyspnea.
Macroscopy
• The pericardial surface of the heart exhibits roughness attributed to inflammatory exudate. • Strands of fibrinous material may be observed between the two pericardial surfaces. • The exudate may be purulent if linked to bacterial infection. A concomitant pericardial effusion may be observed. Histopathology • The pericardium is infiltrated by inflammatory cells, frequently accompanied by fibrin deposition. • Malignant cells may be observed in instances of malignant infiltration.
Prognosis: Infective pericarditis frequently resolves with suitable therapy. Pericarditis linked to an acute myocardial infarction is determined by the consequences of the infarction. Uraemic pericarditis indicates severe renal failure, which carries a significant risk of mortality. Malignant pericarditis typically indicates substantial metastatic disease and an unfavorable prognosis. Any etiology of pericarditis may result in a reactive pericardial effusion, which, if substantial, necessitates immediate drainage to avert cardiac tamponade.


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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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Pathology - Valvular cardiac pathology
Aortic stenosis
• The predominant valve pathology. • Primarily results from calcification of a structurally normal tricuspid valve in the elderly (senile calcific aortic stenosis). Bicuspid aortic valves undergo calcification at an earlier age. Chronic rheumatic illness can potentially lead to aortic stenosis. • Prolonged turbulent blood flow through the valve is believed to result in damage, subsequently leading to calcification. • Exhibits chest discomfort, syncope, and dyspnea.

Aortic regurgitation
• Aortic regurgitation (AR) can result from disorders that induce dilation of the aortic root, such as Marfan syndrome and ankylosing spondylitis. • Congenital anomalies of the valve leaflets may also contribute to AR. • Dilation of the aortic root exerts tension on the annulus of the aortic valve, hindering complete closure of the leaflets. • Symptoms include dyspnea and palpitations.


Mitral Stenosis
Mitral stenosis is typically a consequence of persistent rheumatic valvular heart disease. • The constriction of the valve obstructs the unobstructed flow of blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle during ventricular diastole. • The increase in left atrial pressure is conveyed to the pulmonary venous system, resulting in pulmonary edema and dyspnea. • The left atrium enlarges and becomes susceptible to atrial fibrillation. • Stenotic mitral valves exhibit significant thickening of the valve leaflets and the associated chordae tendineae. The fusion of the leaflets results in the characteristic 'fish mouth' appearance.
Mitral regurgitation
• Typically results from mitral valve prolapse or ischemic heart disease. • In mitral valve prolapse, the abnormal valve leaflets bulge into the left atrium during ventricular systole. • In ischemic heart disease, regurgitation arises from a combination of ischemic papillary dysfunction and the dilation of the mitral valve annulus due to left ventricular enlargement. • Patients may stay asymptomatic for a period as the left ventricle and left atrium hypertrophy to accommodate the additional volume; however, decompensation and the onset of left ventricular failure will ultimately occur.



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Pathology – Cardiomyopathies
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Rare, having an incidence of 0.5%. • 770% of cases have been associated with mutations in genes that encode sarcomeric proteins, including β-myosin heavy chain, troponin T, myosin binding protein, and α-tropomyosin. • A broad range of manifestations, including dyspnea, angina pectoris, syncope, palpitations, and abrupt mortality.
Macroscopically, the majority of patients exhibit asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy, primarily affecting the septum. Associated systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve frequently results in a localized area of endocardial fibrosis on the septum, referred to as the sub-aortic mitral impact lesion. In many instances, this condition induces symmetric left ventricular hypertrophy that is indistinguishable from that resulting from hypertension or aortic stenosis. • The histological characteristic of HCM is the presence of myocyte enlargement, myocyte disorganization, and interstitial fibrosis. Myocyte disarray denotes the disruption of the typical parallel alignment of myocytes, which instead assume random oblique configurations.

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy
• Rare, having an incidence of 0.2%. • The modes of inheritance encompass autosomal dominant, X-linked, autosomal recessive, and mitochondrial inheritance. • Numerous gene mutations have been identified, including those in cardiac actin, desmin, sarcoglycan, troponin, and tropomyosin.
• Clinical manifestations include dyspnea, fatigue, and palpitations. Thrombus formation on the akinetic myocardium may lead to systemic emboli. The heart exhibits increased mass with dilatation and thinning of the cardiac chambers, with no identifiable reason such as coronary artery disease, valve disease, hypertension, or alcohol misuse.
Microscopic findings are nonspecific but may exhibit myocyte attenuation and myofibril loss, accompanied by enlarged myocyte nuclei and interstitial fibrosis.

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy
The precise incidence and prevalence within the general population are undetermined. • Mutations in genes that encode cell adhesion molecules are delineated. Mutations result in the separation and apoptosis of myocytes under mechanical stress, followed by fat replacement and scarring. • Exhibits palpitations or experiences abrupt death.
Macroscopically, the right ventricle exhibits thinning, particularly in the right ventricular outflow tract, characterized by a yellow hue attributed to fat replacement.
• Microscopically, the normal right ventricular myocardium is replaced by adipose tissue and fibrosis. The illness process typically initiates in the epicardial region and progresses toward the endocardial surface.



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