The pathology of influenzaWinternitz, M. C. (Milton C.)
Science
The pathology of influenza
Winternitz, M. C. (Milton C.)
Influenza
Microscopically, the picture presented by the gland is that of a
non-suppurative lymphadenitis. The peripheral sinuses are markedly
distended and the channels through the gland share in the change (66).
The sinuses contain serum, red blood cells, and mononuclear cells for
the most part, but occasionally polymorphonuclear leucocytes are also
encountered. More rarely still, a megalokaryocyte finds its way into the
sinus. The most characteristic feature is the presence of phagocytosed
cells,—a picture comparable with that found in the typhoid lymph node.
The nuclei of the phagocytic cells are vesicular and usually stand out
sharply in contrast with the pyknotic nuclei of the included cells.
There is conclusive evidence that the phagocytes arise from the lining
cells of the channel wall, as in typhoid fever, for these cells are
frequently in process of division (Fig. LIV). The blood vessels of the
lymph gland, greatly congested, contain almost exclusively red blood
cells. As a rule, the lymph follicles and the lymph cords take little
part in the process. If there is any change in these structures, it is a
rarefication. Occasionally, hemorrhage is encountered in a follicle or
even in a cord, and this hemorrhage may involve not only the cells of
the cord, but its supporting reticular structure, and may form the
nucleus of a subsequent necrotizing or suppurative focus.
[Illustration:
FIG. XXXI. AUTOPSY NO. 100. ACUTE FULMINATING BRONCHIOLITIS AND
BRONCHOPNEUMONIA. NOTE THE NECROTIC ALVEOLAR WALLS AND THE MASSES OF
BACTERIA IN THE EXUDATE. COMPARE FIGURES VIII, XVII, AND XXXII.
]
The picture that has been detailed is subject to modification in those
cases particularly where a leucocytic reaction is associated. Then,
there may be more polymorphonuclear leucocytes in the sinuses, and
necrotizing foci may be converted into miliary abscesses.
The change in the bronchial lymph glands cannot be considered other than
an expression of an aplastic, inflammatory reaction. It finds an
analogue especially in diseases like typhoid fever. The most constant
picture includes an edematous, hemorrhagic reaction in which there is
phagocytosis of sieved-out cells by the scavengers generated within the
gland. Where necrosis or suppuration occurs, and this is rare, it may be
considered as a complication.
Elsewhere in the body, the lymph glands rarely show the same degree of
change as those of the thorax. The same general picture, however, is
present to a greater or lesser extent, except that extensive necrosis
and suppuration have not been encountered.
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