3D Printed Lung - Cystic Fibrosis

3D Printed Lung - Cystic Fibrosis Clinical History A 6-year old girl was admitted with a productive cough, dyspnoea and fevers. She became increasingly hypotensive and dies soon after admission. She had a previous history of recurrent pneumonia and meconium ileus. The clinical diagnosis was cystic fibrosis (mucoviscoidosis). Her sister died aged 3 from the same disease. Pathology The lung parenchyma shows extensive changes mainly with a bronchial distribution. Many bronchi are dilated (bronchiectasis) and contain thick, yellowish, purulent material. These changes are most marked in the upper lobe, at the apex of which a small focus of ‘honeycomb’ change is also seen. Multiple abscesses are present, especially in the basal and central parts of the lower lobe. The base of the lower lobe is severely affected with fibrosis and consolidation being evident. There is very little normal lung tissue remaining. These pathological changes are characteristic but not