Pathology Quiz 6

Pathology Quiz 6 / Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science / Exam date: 3/24/25

Edema

Abnormal accumulation of fluids in tissues or body cavities

Can be localized or generalized

4 causes of edema

Increases permeability of capillary walls

Increased capillary pressure

Inflammatory conditions

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances

Hypoproteinemia (in relation to edema)

Low protein levels in the blood from a liver disorder, or a disorder in which protein is not digested or absorbed properly

Low levels may be seen in severe malnutrition and with conditions that cause malabsorption, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease

The body is searching for protein and will take it from other tissues

The body dilates the capillary walls and fluid enters tissue

Damage to structural integrity of capillaries (in relation to edema)

They become more “leaky”

Occurs in tissue trauma, burns, and severe inflammation

Lymphatic obstruction (in relation to edema)

A blockage of the lymph vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed

May cause lymphedema, which means swelling due to a blockage of lymph passages

Histamine (in relation to edema)

Released by cells in response to injury and in allergic and inflammatory reactions, causing contraction of smooth muscle and dilation of capillaries

Causes arterial dilation and venous contrition

This increased pressure forces fluids out of the circulatory system and into the tissue, this is why antihistamines are given in allergic reactions

Liver disease (in relation to edema)

Swelling in the legs and abdomen

The increased pressure in the portal vein can cause fluid to accumulate in the legs (edema) and in the abdomen (ascites)

Edema and ascites also may result from the inability of the liver to make enough of a certain blood protein, such as albumin

Kidney disease (in relation to edema)

Edema associated with kidney disease usually occurs in your legs and around your eyes

Kidney damage (in relation to edema)

Damage to the blood vessels in your kidneys can result in nephrotic syndrome

• In nephrotic syndrome, declining levels of protein (albumin) in your blood can lead to fluid accumulation and edema

Heart disease (in relation to edema)

Congestive heart failure

When the heart weakens and pumps blood less effectively, fluid can slowly build up, creating leg edema

If fluid build up quickly, you can get fluid in the lungs

Fluid and electrolyte disturbances (in relation to edema)

A range of factors can compromise the kidney’s ability to perform their vital work

Deficiency or excess in key minerals like calcium and phosphorus, electrolyte imbalances like sodium and potassium, dehydration, and fluid retention can all have their genesis in the kidneys

Electrolytes are minerals in your body that have an electric charge

They are in your blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids

Electrolytes are important because they help balance the amount of water in your body

Anasarca (skeletal edema)

Generalized edema in subcutaneous tissue

Related to kidney and heart disease

• Causes secondary dilution when embalming

• Must use higher index fluid

• Problem raising vessels

• Increased speed of decomposition

Ascites

Accumulation of free serous fluid in the abdominal cavity

Leads to obstruction due to weight pressure of the fluid

• Carefully aspirate to remove fluid before embalming

Hydrothorax (pleural effusion)

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the thoracic cavity

• In life compromised lung function

• In death causes lung purge

Hydropericardium

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardium sac

Pressure does not let heart expand properly

Hydrocele

Abnormal accumulation of fluid in any sacculated cavity if the body, typically the scrotum

Hydrocephalus

Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles of the brain

Congenital hydrocephalus

Must be drained, sometimes a permanent shunt is placed in the head

This can be done in utero

Acquired hydrocephalus

Trauma can cause this and a burr hole must be made in the skull to relieve pressure

Hyperemia

Excess blood in an area of the body

Can be active or passive

It usually happens when organs need more blood than usual

Your blood vessels widen to increase the supply if blood flowing in

Active hyperemia

The increase in organ blood flow that is associated with increased metabolic activity of an organ or tissue

Physiologic hyperemia

Normal condition

Ex:

• After eating a big meal, blood flow increases to digestive system

• Erection

• Blushing

• Exercising causes increase blood flow to muscles

Pathologic hyperemia

When blood rushes to an organ due to inflammation

Passive pathologic hyperemia

When blood can't properly exit an organ, so it builds up in the blood vessels

This can only be pathologic, but it is never a normal (physiologic) condition

Lysis

The disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane

Ischemia

Reduction in arterial blood supply

Caused by

Thrombus (attached to arterial wall) or embolus

Arteriosclerosis

External pressure

Failure of vasodilation of circulatory system

Ischemia effects

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Angina

Loss of sensation

Foot falls asleep

Transient ischemic attack (TIA)

Temporary decrease of blood flow, not cut off completely so it's not a stroke, lasts less than a day, sign of future stroke is high

Angina

Temporary decrease of blood flow to the heart cause intense pain relieved by nitroglycerin

Thrombosis

The formation or presence of an attached blood clot. The clot is attached to the vessel wall

Sepsis clots

Caused by an overwhelming immune response to infection

The body releases immune chemicals into the blood to combat the infection

Those chemicals trigger widespread inflammation, which leads to blood clots and leaky blood vessels

Arterial thrombus

Dry gangrene

Venous thrombus

Wet gangrene

Cardiac thrombus

Myocardial infarction (ischemia)