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Pathology

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Allergic extrinsic alveolitis is a hypersensitivity reaction affecting the lung parenchyma occurring in response to inhaled inorganic dusts.

The pathogenesis is thought to be different in acute and chronic cases:

  • acute:
    • usually the result of a type III - immune complex - hypersensitivity reaction
    • precipitins can be demonstrated in the serum

  • chronic:
    • principally a type IV (cell-mediated) hypersensitivity reaction, characterised by:
      • lymphocyte infiltration
      • giant cells
      • granulomata
      • diffuse lung fibrosis
      • endobronchial exudates
      • bronchiolitis obliterans

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