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Acute Severe and Fatal Asthma
Although the concept of airway–parenchymal uncoupling leading to loss of elastic recoil in asthma has been discussed for many years, a pathologic correlate for this process has not been described. Mauad and colleagues present compelling data to suggest that there is both loss of the number of alveolar attachments and a decrease in the total elastin content in the same region. Although no correlates were made with inflammatory processes or physiologic changes, this study strongly supports structural changes in the distal airways, which may contribute to both loss of elastic recoil and, perhaps, fatal asthma.
In a state of the art review article, McFadden
discusses acute severe asthma.
Citations 1-2 of 2 total displayed.
Abnormal Alveolar Attachments with Decreased Elastic Fiber Content in Distal Lung in Fatal Asthma
- Thais Mauad, Luis F. F. Silva, Mario A. Santos, Lea Grinberg, Fabiola D. C. Bernardi, Milton A. Martins, Paulo H. N. Saldiva, and Marisa Dolhnikoff
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 170: 857 -862. First published online as doi:10.1164/rccm.200403-305OC
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Acute Severe Asthma
- E. R. McFadden, Jr.
Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. 168: 740-759.
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