Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)(also known as diffuse alveolar damage

Chapter: 8
Initially called "shock lung" during the Vietnam war, this syndrome is characterized histopathologically by pulmonary intra-alveolar proteinaceous exudate (hyaline membranes) and interstitial inflammation (with subsequent fibrosis). It is caused by non-thoracic trauma, infection, aspiration, and drugs and various therapeutic agents (heroin, oxygen, radiation, paraquat, cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents). Prognosis is poor, with an overall mortality of about 50%.

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