What have anatomic and pathologic studies taught us about acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome?
OBJECTIVE
Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome are defined as morphologic and functional manifestations of pulmonary injury of various causes. Acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome may result from direct effects on epithelial lung cells or from indirect effects on endothelial lung cells, reflecting lung involvement as part of a more distant systemic inflammatory response. This review addresses anatomic/pathologic differences between acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome lungs.


RESULTS
It is well established that acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome are characterized by local and intense inflammatory responses, with accumulation of several types of cells and soluble mediators. There are parallel anti-inflammatory response and lung remodeling, with deposition of collagen. Patient outcome will depend on resolution of the initial event and on the balance between the inflammatory and remodeling responses. Several trials have attempted to modify both responses, but all have yielded negative results.


CONCLUSIONS
An appreciation of the acute respiratory distress syndrome must take into account anatomic/pathologic characteristics, which depend upon the initial cause. Consideration of each pathologic mechanism will permit more precise clinical management and probably improved outcomes.
Capelozzi
Vera Luiza
VL
Departament of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. vcapelozzi@lim05.fm.usp.br
D000818:Animals; D001344:Autopsy; D001706:Biopsy; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011650:Pulmonary Alveoli / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000473:pathology*