Outcomes of Acute Inflammation

The complete restoration of the site of acute inflammation back to its normal state.

The process of replacing damaged tissue with connective tissue (scar tissue).

The type of inflammation that lasts for a prolonged period, typically weeks or months.

Inflammation characterized by the accumulation of pus, a thick fluid containing dead white blood cells.

The growth of connective tissue into an area of damage or exudate.

A type of chronic inflammation characterized by the formation of granulomas, small collections of immune cells.

Inflammation that affects the entire body, rather than a specific location.

The factors that determine the outcome of acute inflammation, including the severity of the injury, the type of tissue involved, and the body's ability to respond.

The progression from acute to chronic inflammation happens when the initial inflammatory response fails to resolve due to the persistent presence of the injurious agent or interference with the healing process.

Chronic inflammation can occur after acute inflammation as part of normal healing or due to persistent triggers or repeated acute episodes.

Chronic inflammation is characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells (macrophages, lymphocytes, plasma cells), tissue destruction, and attempts at healing via tissue replacement.

Inflammation caused by prolonged exposure to toxic agents, such as silica or lipids, causing diseases like silicosis or atherosclerosis.

Infections by persistent microbes like viruses or bacteria can lead to chronic inflammation by constantly stimulating the immune system.

Hypersensitivity reactions can trigger chronic inflammation, particularly autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and allergies.

Chronic inflammation can contribute to diseases not conventionally understood as inflammatory like neurodegenerative disorders, metabolic syndrome, and cancer.

Chronic inflammation can be caused by various factors and often involves a combination of these factors.

Proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, and serum amyloid A (SAA) increase during inflammation. They aid in clearing debris, promoting immune responses, and influencing erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

An increase in the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood, often seen during inflammation. It reflects the body's response to infection or injury.

A specific type of leukocytosis where neutrophils (a type of WBC) are elevated, often associated with bacterial infections.

A condition where the body releases massive amounts of cytokines, like TNF and IL-1, leading to widespread inflammation, blood-clotting problems, and potentially organ failure.

A clinical triad of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), metabolic disturbances, and cardiovascular failure caused by sepsis.

A type of chronic inflammation characterized by the formation of granulomas, which are small collections of immune cells.

Nodules of epithelioid macrophages, a type of immune cell, form the core of granulomas. These macrophages are surrounded by a ring of lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that help to fight off infection. Activated macrophages may fuse together to form multinucleated giant cells, which can be seen in some granulomas.

Granulomas can be caused by infections like tuberculosis, leprosy, syphilis, and fungal infections. They can also be caused by inflammatory conditions like temporal arteritis, Crohn disease, and sarcoidosis. And sometimes, they are caused by exposure to inorganic particles like silica or beryllium.

A type of granuloma that forms in response to materials that cannot be easily engulfed by a single macrophage, such as sutures or talc, but don't trigger a specific immune response.

A type of granuloma that forms in response to persistent, poorly degradable antigens and involves immune T cells. These T cells release a substance called interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which activates macrophages and causes them to transform into epithelioid cells and form multinucleated giant cells.

The prototypical immune granuloma caused by the tuberculosis bacillus. It typically has a central area of caseous necrosis, which is a type of cell death that causes a cheesy-looking substance to form.

A systemic response to inflammation that involves various clinical and pathologic changes, particularly in severe cases. These changes are triggered by cytokines released in response to bacterial products or inflammatory stimuli.

Fever, a rise in body temperature, occurs during the acute phase response. It's induced by substances called pyrogens, which stimulate the production of prostaglandins in the hypothalamus. For instance, endotoxin leads to the release of IL-1 and TNF, triggering the production of prostaglandins, especially PGE2, which increases the body's temperature set point.

Increased production of certain plasma proteins, primarily of liver origin, known as acute-phase proteins. These proteins are significantly elevated in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as cytokines like IL-6 and TNF.

A type of immune cell that plays a critical role in the immune response. They are phagocytic cells, meaning they engulf and destroy pathogens and cellular debris.