CORRELATION OF POSTMORTEM FUNCTION AND STRUCTURE IN NORMAL AND EMPHYSEMATOUS LUNGS

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Studies of the postmortem mechanical and ventilatory characteristics of normal and emphysematous lungs reveal that the latter are excessively compliant, have increased total volume and residual volume, and manifest obstruction to air flow during exhalation. Structural studies of the dried inflated emphysematous lungs reveal patent bronchioles communicating with both early and advanced emphysematous areas. These findings are considered to refute the theory that bronchiolar obliteration causes the development of emphysema and to indicate that the primary abnormality in pulmonary emphysema occurs in the septal membranes of alveoli and alveolar ducts. Obstruction to air flow is considered to be the result rather than the cause of diffuse pulmonary emphysema.