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pulmonary emphysema

In centrilobular emphysema only the central or proximal portions of the respiratory lobule (respiratory bronchial) is involved. The distal alveoli are spared. It usually involves the upper lobe and is the most common type of emphysema. Associated with smoking and coal dust.

In panacinar emphysema (panlobular emphysema), there is involvement of the complete respiratory lobule (all alveoli are involved of a respiratory lobule). Typically involves the lower zones and anterior margins of the lung. Associated with alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency (A1AT deficiency).

Types

- proximal acinar emphysema (centrilobular emphysema or centriacinar emphysema)

- panacinar emphysema (panlobular emphysema)

  • alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (alpha1AT deficiency)

- distal acinar emphysema
- irregular emphysema
- localized giant bullous emphysema

Etiology

- alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
- toxic agents and drugs

  • cigarette smoking
  • IV drug abuse
  • ritalin
  • cadmium

- constitutional connective tissue disorders

  • Marfan syndrome
  • Salla disease
  • congenital cutis laxa

See also

- simple airspace enlargement (nonemphysematous airspace enlargement)

  • congenital lobar emphysema

Video

- Pulmonary emphysema by Washington Deceit

- Physiopathology of the pulmonary emphysema