Hepatization of lungs

Hepatization of the lungs is an old name for changes to the visual appearance of the lungs so that they resemble the liver.^[1] This happens when they are gorged with effuse matter and are no longer pervious to the air. The main cause is lobar pneumonia. Hepatization appears in ultrasounds as consolidations.^[2]

Red hepatization is the presence of red blood cells, neutrophils, and fibrin in the pulmonary alveolus/alveoli. The texture of the lungs changes, and, unlike healthy lungs, they no longer float if placed in a bowl of water.^[3]

Red hepatization may precede or be found in combination with gray hepatization, where the red cells have been broken down, leaving a fibrinosuppurative exudate.^[3]

Yellow hepatization is uncommon due to treatment with antibiotics, but it may occasionally be seen, e.g., during an autopsy.^[1]

Transformation from red hepatization to gray hepatization is an example for acute inflammation turning into a chronic inflammation.