[Pathogenesis of so-called exogenous lipid pneumonia]

Abstract

A modern concept of so-called exogenous lipid pneumonia, basing on experimental findings is given. The time course shows 3 different stages of disease with different morphological pictures. In the early stage a toxic disturbation of capillary endothelium is seen with secondary exsudation of blood plasma in alveoli. In the intermedium stage activation of alveolar and interstitial macrophages exists. The inhaled mineral oil is phagocytozed and degradated by alveolar macrophages, but interstitial macrophages are only capable for phagocytosis but not for degradation. This leads to a granulomatous and fibrous interstitial reaction, typical for the late stage of the disease.