L36

LUNG – Diffuse alveolar damage (DAD)

Description
This specimen from the left lung shows patchy areas of haemorrhage, for the most part a few mm in diameter and areas confluent. There is a patchy haemorrhagic exudate on the pleural surface.
History
This lung is from a patient with disseminated lupus erythematosis. She had a markedly reduced platelet count and prolonged bleeding time. Microscopy of the lung showed patchy haemorrhage, oedema and hyaline membranes.