AAMI Pathology for Embalmers - LU1

Herpes Simplex I

Viral infection seen with cold sores and fever blisters

Problems of Dehydration

Will call for larger volumes of milder solutions

Problems of Infectious Disease

With their high bacterial activity may indicate a need for a stronger germicidal chemical.

Pressure

__________of some object such as tumor in the lumen of the intestines or on the outside pressing against an organ

Viral Hepatitis A

1. Also called Infectious 2. Transmitted through contaminated food and water supplies; enterically: fecal-oral route 3. Least serious than other forms of hepatitis and can develop as an isolated case or in an epidemic incubation period is 2 to 6 weeks from exposure to the development of symptoms, which include anorexia, nausea and mild fever 4. No permanent liver damage 5. Good prognosis

Stenosis or Stricture of Esophagus

1. An abnormal narrowing of an opening or passageway 2. Result of a serious infection or chemical irritation which leads to the formation of scar tissue within the lumen of the esophagus 3. Can also be caused by tumors which develop either within the lumen of the organ itself or outside of the organ which will cause pressure on its muscular wall

Tonsillitis

1. Inflammation of the tonsils 2. Common form of infection usually caused by streptococcal organisms 3. Frequently accompanies inflammation of other parts of upper respiratory tract 4. Tonsils become swollen, narrowing the opening of the throat and causing great pain and diffulty in swallowing 5. Their surface may be covered with pus the availability of antibiotics has decreased the need for tonsillectomy

Volvulus

1. Involves the twisting of the intestine around itself. 2. Usually seen in the elderly.

Gallstones

Also known as BILIARY CALCULI

Melena

An abnormal, black, tarry stool that contains digested blood which results from bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract; often a sign of peptic _________ or small bowel disease.

Ascites

An accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity

Incarceranted hernia

An irreducible hernia without any disturbance in blood flow

Problems of Hemorrhage

Can short circuit the flow of embalming fluid throughout the body

Irreducible Hernia

Cannot be returned to normal position due to inflammatory adhesions between hernia and surrounding structures

Chemical Gastroenteritis

Caused by Excessive alcohol consumption

Ingunial Hernia

Caused by a weakening of the abdominal muscles in the groin area

Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Caused by: Salmonella: severe cramping and diarrhea via contaminated food (ex. mayo, chicken) Shigella: also comes from contaminated foods

Candida albicans

Fungus that causes THRUSH

Peptic

Gets its name from the digestive enzyme Pepsin.

Periproctitis

Inflammation about the rectum

Glossitis

Inflammation of Tounge

Appendicitis

Inflammation of the appendix or vermiform appendix

Duodenitis

Inflammation of the duodenum

Illeitis

Inflammation of the ileum

Perionitis

Inflammation of the lining of the membrane of the abdominal cavity

Chelitis

Inflammation of the lips

Stomatitis

Inflammation of the mouth (oral or buccal cavity) which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, roof and floor of the mouth

Diverticulosis

Is a condition in which there is an increase in the diverticulum

Strangulated hernia

Is a hernia in which the blood supply is cut off resulting in gangrene and peritonitis

Diverticulum

Is one a little pouch or sac that forms in the intestine as the mucosal lining pushes through the underlying muscle layer

Intussuception

Is the telescoping of the intestines. One part of the intestines is pushed into the part ahead of it.

Hematemesis

Is the vomiting of blood from the stomach and is often associated with gastritis

Problems of Purge from Mouth and Nose

It may be necessary to puncture or incise the intestines to relieve the pressure and apply massage cream to the lips and face to prevent dehydration as a result of acid purge flowing over the tissues from these areas

Paralysis

Lack of blood or nerve supply to a part of the intestine can ___________ it, resulting in decreased peristalsis, which serves to move the contents along.

Problems of Abdominal Distension

May result from both edema and collection of gases in the digestive tract which may put pressure on the major vessels, impairing both arterial distribution of embalming solutions and venous drainage of blody fluids

Umbilical Hernia

Occur in infants due to imperfect closure of the abdominal wall in the area where the umbilical cord was attached

Femoral Hernia

Occurs in the area of the femoral triangle

Hiatal Hernia

Part of the stomach pushes up through the esophageal opening of the diaphragm

Problems of Rapid Coagulation of Blood

Pre-injection and co-injection chemicals are often required for their anti-coagulant abilities

Treponema pallidum

The causative agent of syphilis, can lead to inflammatory lesions, referred to as mucous patches, in mouth during the secondary stage of the disease.

Ulcers

1. Are localized area of necrosis on the skin or mucous membrane 2. The dead tissue is sloughed off resulting in a hole or crater at the site 3. If _______ occur in the stomach and duodenum, they are referred to as peptic _______. 4. Secretion of an excess amount of gastric juices is associated with peptic ulcers. 5. Melena is an abnormal, black, tarry stool that contains digested blood which results from bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract; often a sign of peptic _________ or small bowel disease 6. Main danger of any __________ is hemorrhage 7. More serious, _________ can perforate the stomach wall allowing contents of the digestive tract, including bacteria to reach the abdominal cavity resulting in peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the membrane of the abdominal cavity)

Postmortem Conditions from Digestive Diseases

1. Asceitis of Abdominal Cavity 2. Dehydration 3. Emaciation 4. Rapid Decomposition 5. Rapid Coagulation of Blood 6. Jaundice 7. Edema 8. Hemorrhage 9. Purge from mouth and nose 10. Abdominal Distension 11. Infectious Disease

Etiologies of Proctitis

1. Bacterial infection 2. Parasites 3. Irritation from fecal matter 4. Toxic agents 5. May be secondary to such conditions as hemorrhoids or rectal tumors

Adhesions

1. Bands of scar tissue that bind together two anatomic surfaces that are normally separate from each other. 2. Most commonly found in abdominal area after abdominal surgery. A complication of healing.

Amoebic Dysentery

1. Common Infection of Intestinal Tract 2. Caused by Entamoeba histolytica

Tuberculosis

1. Common Infection of Intestinal Tract 2. Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Typhoid Fever

1. Common Infection of Intestinal Tract 2. Caused by Salmonella typhii

Bacillary dysentery

1. Common Infection of Intestinal Tract 2. Caused by Shigella species

Food Poisoning

1. Common Infection of Intestinal Tract 2. Caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens and Clostridium botulinum

Hemorrhoids or Piles

1. Condition in which the veins of the lower portion of the rectum become greatly dilated

Predisposing Conditions of Colon/Rectal Carcinoma

1. Diet low in fiber and bulk 2. Ulcerative colitis 3. Polyposis: hereditary disease which numerous polyps develop in the intestinal tract 4. Polyps give no symptom until malignancy develops

Varices of Esophagus

1. Dilated and tortuous veins 2. Are _________ veins of the esophagus or esophageal ___________. 3. Due to obstruction of the hepatic venous return as a result of cirrhosis of liver 4. Are a complication of cirrhosis 5. The most serious danger is that of hemorrhage - especially in those who have clotting disorders

Cholelithiasis

1. Formation or presence of gallstones also known as biliary calculi 2. Stones consist of cholesterol, bilirubin and calcium in excess 3. Can be single or multiple, large or small

Esophagitis

1. Inflammation of esophagus 2. Reflux ___________ - the most common type 3. We know it as heartburn. 4. It results from a regurgitation (backflow) of stomach acid through the cardiac sphincter (circular muscle that regualtes the passage of food from the esophagus into the stomach) which causes a chemical irritation of the mucosa lining of the esophagus

Gingivitis

1. Inflammation of gums 2. Characterized by swelling, redness, watery exudate and bleeding

Colitis

1. Inflammation of the colon, the main part of the large intestines 2. Can result in severe diarrhea, causing serious dehydration

Diverticulitis

1. Inflammation of the diverticulum 2. Occurs when the sacs become infected with fecal matter and bacteria 3. Occurs in diet with high fat and low fiber, grain and bulk

Chloecystitis

1. Inflammation of the gall bladder (the organ that stores bile) 2. Caused by the presence of gallstones in the biliary system

Cholangitis

1. Inflammation of the gall ducts 2. Caused by blockages by gallstones in the bile ducts

Hepatitis

1. Inflammation of the liver (the organ that produces bile) 2. Most common form of the disease is caused by a virus 3. One sign that is frequently associated with liver disease is jaundice (icterus).

Pancreantitis

1. Inflammation of the pancreas 2. May be acute or chronic 3. Associated with gallstone blockages, where bile cannot enter the duodenum and is forced into the pancreatic duct, causing irritation of the pancreatic tissues 4. Several factors cause this, but the most common is excessive alcohol consumption. 5. Inflammation of the pancreastic duct caused by the presence of gallstones is another possible cause 6. Many cases are idiopathic (unknown origin)

Pharyngitis

1. Inflammation of the pharynx or throat 2. It may: be a primary infection such as strep throat or dipheria 3. It may be a complication of rhinitis (inflammation of the nose); sinusitis (inflammation of the para nasal sinuses); or influenza 4. May extend to the larynx

Proctitis

1. Inflammation of the rectum 2. Mucous, blood and pus maybe present 3. May be secondary to such conditions as hemorrhoids or rectal tumors 4. If inflammation diffuses through the rectal wall and involves the perirectal tissue, it will result in periproctitis, an inflammation about the rectum.

Enteritis

1. Inflammation of the small intestines 2. Common Infection of Intestinal Tract 3. Caused by Escherichia coli

Gastritis

1. Inflammation of the stomach 2. Can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection 3. Can also be caused by chemical irritants such as coffee, aspirin and alcohol 4. Hemorrhage from the lining of the stomach is a danger of severe gastritis, and often accompanies chronic alcholism.

Gastroenteritis

1. Inflammation of the stomach and upper intestines 2. Two types (Bacterial, Chemical)

Cirrhosis

1. Is a long term degeneration of the functioning cells of the liver 2. Liver cells die and are replaced by fibrous tissue and scarring 3. Often associated with chronic alcoholism 4. May result from damage done by drugs and previous viral or bacterial infections. 5. Circulation through the liver is impaired. As a result, high pressure builds in the vessels of the abdomen and in other areas. 6. Esophageal veins swell, forming esophageal varices. 7. Abdominal organs, like the spleen, pancreas and stomach also swells. 8. Hemorrhage of blood vessels in the stomach or intestines may causes vomiting of blood, called hematemesis. 9. Characterized by ascites, an accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity (also develops as a result of liver failure).

Hepatitis C

1. Leading viral cause of chronic liver disease and Cirrhosis 2. Most common reason for liver transplants initial symptoms are nonspecific and simlar to those of hepatitis A or B, but the disease persists for months or even years 3. About 20% of infected persons develop cirrhosis, and a number of these can lead to end-stage liver disease 4. The virus is transmitted through blood transfusions, although transmission has been traced to intravenous drug use 5. Studies also show a risk associated with sexual contact with someone with hepatitis and with having more than one sex partner in a year 6. Treatments for hepatitis C include interferon injections and oral ribavirin 7. Treatment for end-stage cirrhosis may include liver transplant

Etiologies (causes) of Glossitis

1. Mechanical injury 2. Thermal injury 3. Chemical irritation 4. Vitamin deficiency - lack of Vitamin B12

Etiologies (causes) of Chelitis

1. Mechanical injury such as chewing or peeling of lips 2. Thermal injury: drinking hot coffee, eating hot pizza 3. Chemical irritation 4. Infection: cold sores, canker sores, herpes

Etiologies (causes) of Stomatitis

1. Mechanical trauma - chewing or peeling 2. Extreme temperature - drinking beverages that are too hot; eating hot pizza can burn the roof of the mouth 3. Chemical injury - exposure to heavy metals such as mercury 4. Infections from pathogens: common cold; gonorrhea, measles, leukema, AIDS etc.

Carcinoma of Stomach

1. More common in men than women 2. Occurs more freqently in higher latitudes (Iceland, Finland) 3. Also frequent in countries where smoked fish is commonly eaten 4. More common in blood group A individuals 5. Usually age of occurance is about 60 years 6. Dietary factors appear more signifcant than genetic factors 7. Usually effects the pyloric end of stomach 8. Pernicious anemia accompanies stomach cancer because intrinsic factor is not secreted

Colon/Rectal Carcinoma

1. Most prevalent of the all digestive system cancers 2. Leading cause of death in the US 3. Easily diagnosed via rectal exam or colonoscopy 4. Responds well to surgical treatment if detected early 5. Symptoms vary according to the site of malignancy 6. Change in bowel habits. Ex. diarrhea or constipation 7. Abdominal discomfort

Pyloric Stenosis

1. Narrowing of the pyloric sphincter (circular muscle surrounding the pylorus portion of the stomach) causing an obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestines 2. Hypertrophy of this sphincter muscle may be so great that the pyloric passage is almost completely occluded causing a ___________(narrowing) 3. Affects firstborn males. The infant does well for the first 2-4 weeks of life. Then with no apparent reason, vomiting begins. 4. The child vomits after eating and stops when stomach is empty. 5. Stomach dilates and hypertrophies 4-5 times the normal size 6. The muscular contractions to force food through the pyloric opening becomes so intense, that the peristaltic waves can be seen passing across the abdominal wall 7. If not corrected, the child will die of starvation

Polyp

1. Normally benign tumors which develop on mucous membranes 2. Appear as a stalk growth, like a cherry on a stem 3. They may turn malignant

Problems of Jaundice

1. Often accompanies diseases of the liver and gall bladder. 2. This will call for special jaundice fluid to be used for arterial injection, with extra care being given to removing the yellow discoloration without promoting the development of a deeper green discoloration.

First signs of Carcinoma of Stomach

1. Persistent unexplained indigestion 2. Lack of appetite, especially red meat 3. Taste of metal in food

Etiologies of Hemorrhoids

1. Poor diet 2. Inadequate fiber 3. Lack of excise 4. Pregnancy 5. CONSTIPATION is the MOST COMMON cause 6. Pressure from pelvic tumor

Etiologies (causes) of Gingivitis

1. Poor hygiene - build up of bacterial plaque 2. Food impaction (Maybe an early sign of systematic disorder with lowered resistance, eg. herpes simplex, diabetes)

Hernia

1. Refers to a protrusion of an organ through the walls of the body cavity in which it is contained 2. Four types (Ingunial, Femoral, Hiatal, Umbilical)

Viral Hepatitis B

1. Serum Hepatitis 2. Transmitted through contaminated body fluids, such as blood (serum transfusions) or semen 3. Also transmitted through use of contaminated needles or syringes used by drug addicts 4. Is a concern to health care workers and embalmers as it can be contracted inadvertently through puncture wounds from needles, scalpel blades and other instruments 5. Symptoms are similar to those of Hepatitis A, but develop more slowly 6. Incubation period is long lasting from 2 to 6 months 7. More serious than Hepatitis A 8. Results in chronic hepatitis 9. Can result in permanent liver damage 10. Vaccine called HEPATAVAX B is now available- works well

Problems of Emaciation

1. The extreme loss of weight due to malnutrition and repeated hemorrhage, particularly in the case when malignancy is involved. 2. A long and careful arterial injection with humectants will be required to restore some of the lost moisture. 3. Post embalming hypodermic tissue builder may be necessary to fill out the features

Problems of Edema

1. Will predispose to a higher secondary dilution of arterial and cavity chemicals. 2. Need to closely evaluate the amount, strength and type of embalmings chemicals to be used. 3. ____________ in the tissues predisposes to rapid decomposition

Jaundice or Icterus

1. Yellow discoloration of skin and tissues and whites of eyes 2. Caused by a build-up of bile pigments in the bloodstream 3. Results from complications of cirrhosis 4. May also occur from an obstruction that causes bile to back up such as a gallstone