Description
The specimen shows portion of the left lung; the pleural surface shows a number of abscess areas.
The cut surface shows extensive consolidation, light tan in colour, with numerous abscess cavities.
The upper portions of the lung are less markedly involved. Microscopy showed organising
pneumonia with carnification and microscopic evidence of oxygen toxicity. No organisms were
recovered at autopsy.
History
This young woman had an influenza-like illness and fever preceding admission to
hospital, where she was found to have a bilateral pneumonia. No organisms were recovered but
she was treated with antibiotics until she suffered a cardiac arrest 11 days after admission. She did
not recover consciousness. The cause of the pneumonia has not been ascertained.