In summary, the highest concentrations of cytokines were observed on 4 dpi in the tracheas and cranial parts of the lungs (apical, middle and accessory lobes).
At 28, 35 and 42 dpi, two pigs were euthanized and the following samples were collected: right lungs (apical, cardial and diaphragmatic lobes), tonsils and inguinal lymph nodes.
The detection and interpretation of parenchymal abnormalities within lung apices could be a challenge in lung cancer screening, as apical regions are a frequent location of fibrotic scars and differential diagnosis between lung cancer and fibrotic changes could be complicated.
In addition, there was also a hypermetabolic right apical lung mass (thick arrow), consistent with lung cancer.
In all eight animals, macroscopic changes were located in the left and/or right apical lung lobes, and in the majority of lungs the middle lobe was also affected.
The lungs of the other five inoculated calves had varying degrees of consolidation of the apical lung lobes (Nos. 1, 2, 3, 5, 8).
Open image in new window Fig. 11 Right apical lung cancer in a 71-year-old man.
A hypothesis is presented suggesting that the pathogenesis of apical lung disease is due to progression of subclinical congenital apical bullae in people with low Body Mass Index (BMI), a combination present in 15% of the population, due to high pleural stress levels present in the antero-posteriorly flattened chests of these individuals.
Chest radiograph showed worsened bilateral apical lung infiltrates.
Two calves died, and necropsy indicated severe tracheitis and bronchopneumonia involving the apical lung lobes.
