Formation of intra-alveolar hyaline membranes is associated with which syndrome?

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Multiple Choice

Formation of intra-alveolar hyaline membranes is associated with which syndrome?

Intra-alveolar hyaline membranes form when there is diffuse alveolar damage, the hallmark of ARDS. Injury to the alveolar-capillary barrier causes protein-rich edema fluid to flood the airspaces. As the lining cells die and plasma proteins and fibrin accumulate, eosinophilic hyaline membranes line the alveolar walls. This disrupts surfactant function, leads to alveolar collapse, and severely impairs gas exchange—precisely the exudative phase of ARDS. Other conditions involve infection of the airways or interstitium rather than this widespread alveolar damage, so they don’t produce the same hyaline membranes.

Intra-alveolar hyaline membranes form when there is diffuse alveolar damage, the hallmark of ARDS. Injury to the alveolar-capillary barrier causes protein-rich edema fluid to flood the airspaces. As the lining cells die and plasma proteins and fibrin accumulate, eosinophilic hyaline membranes line the alveolar walls. This disrupts surfactant function, leads to alveolar collapse, and severely impairs gas exchange—precisely the exudative phase of ARDS. Other conditions involve infection of the airways or interstitium rather than this widespread alveolar damage, so they don’t produce the same hyaline membranes.

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