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Alveolar abnormalities

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Lungs
Lungs

Definition    Return to top

Alveolar abnormalities are changes in the tiny air sacs in the lungs, called alveoli. The alveoli allow oxygen to enter the blood. These air sacs may collapse, fuse together, or develop thickened membranes, making it difficult for oxygen to enter the blood.

References    Return to top

Mason RJ, Broaddus VC, Murray JF, Nadel JA. Murray and Nadel's Textbook of Respiratory Medicine. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa:Saunders; 2005.

Paterson A. Imaging evaluation of congenital lung abnormalities in infants and children. Radiol Clin North Am. February 2004;125:669-682.

Update Date: 4/23/2009

Updated by: Allen J. Blaivas, DO, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine UMDNJ-NJMS, Attending Physician in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Veteran Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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