Histology of pulmonary lesions in victims of chemical warfare

ABSTRACT

Twenty six patients with chemical warfare exposure have been investigated for possible morphologic changes of the lung. A wide variety of pulmonary changes were seen including both obstructive type lung lesions and interstitial pneumonitis. The most common hazard was ARDS, which resulted in acute respiratory failure in some cases and chronic interstitial fibrosis and respiratory failure in others. Finally, the most dangerous hazard is the risk of lung cancer