Description
The specimen consists of sections taken from both lungs. The sections appear relatively normal
although mucous plugging is evident in occasional smaller airways. The hilar nodes are anthracotic
but do not show marked enlargement.
History
The patient was a known asthmatic aged 16 years who was admitted with a 24 hour
history of progressive respiratory distress. Artificial ventilation was undertaken and the patient
died following the development of bilateral tension pneumothoraces.