L63

LUNG - Tuberculosis

Description
This is a slice taken through an inflated left lung; there are fine adhesions over the pleural surface of the upper lobe; at the apex there is a cavity showing a trabeculated lining and containing some amorphous debris. In the surrounding lung there are several small caseous areas up to 0.5 cm in diameter, with a larger lesion beneath the pleura. The apical portion of the lower lobe, and the adjacent area of the upper lobe, is yellowish in colour, probably consolidated, and shows numerous caseous materials.
History
This woman had a 15-year history of systemic lupus erythematosus; she developed a nephrotic syndrome with renal failure and, shortly before her death, tuberculosis.