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Serous inflammation
Ans:
Characterized by accumulation of thin fluid derived from the mesothelial lining
of a given cavity (peritoneal, thoracic) or from plasma. A blister on your foot
is a good example.
Fibrinous inflammation
Ans:
This occurs in the setting of greater vascular permeability so that larger prote
ins can escape, such as fibrin. Also, fibrinous inflammation can occur in the se
tting of cancer with procoagulant stimuli. A fibrinous exudates appears red and
granular grossly and histologically appears as pink threads. Pericarditis can be
fibrinous.
Suppurative or purulent inflammation
Ans:
This describes the accumulation of pus, often in the setting of pyogenic (bacter
ial) infection. Pus includes neutrophils, necrotic cells and edema fluid. An abs
cess is also the accumulation of pus in a localized area within a tissue (see be
low).
Outcomes of Acute Inflammation
Ans:
- Complete resolution: The inflammatory process is complete; there is cessation
of leukocyte infiltration, return of normal vascular permeability and normal tis
sue.
- Healing by fibrosis: With more extensive inflammation and tissue necrosis, con
nective tissue replacement occurs (scar).
- Progression to chronic process: There are no exact measurements or criteria to
say why some acute inflammatory reactions become chronic problems. Often the st
imulus is not removed adequately or there is some block or interference with the
normal acute reaction/resolution. Realize that most chronic inflammatory proces
ses begin as a chronic problem and do not necessarily arise secondary to an acut
e problem.
Complications of Acute Inflammation
Ans:
- Abscess: An abscess is defined as an area of pus with marked underlying tissue
destruction. The collection of acute inflammatory cells (that make up the pus)
is characteristically walled off making it more difficult to treat with systemic
antibiotics. Abscesses often need to be surgically drained.
- Ulcer: An ulcer is a superficial epidermal or mucosal defect. The skin or epit
helium is sloughed off (falls off); the area directly underneath this defect con
tains numerous neutrophils, cellular debris and fibrin. The deeper areas consist
of macrophages, new vessels and fibroblasts indicative of repair. Ulcers can be
found on any mucosal surface and on the skin.