Differential distribution of lymphatic clearance between upper and lower regions of the lung

Abstract

Our results indicated that the main lymphatic clearance routes vary according to the craniocaudal levels, and are predominant in BV areas of the upper areas and in SP areas of the lower areas of the lung. This may explain the histological variations in anatomical distribution observed in the biopsy specimens of some diffuse lung diseases.

Histopathologic Features of Usual Interstitial Pneumonia and Related Patterns: What is Important for Radiologists?

“…Our group reported that levels of lymphatic clearance are different by craniocaudal locations. 8 The results indicated that the main lymphatic clearance routes are predominant in bronchovascular (centrilobular) regions in the upper lung areas and in subpleural or septal (peripheral) regions in lower lung areas. This may explain the histologic discordance by lobe observed in the biopsy specimens.…”

Significant increases in the density and number of lymphatic vessels in pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis

“…In a sheep model, a four‐fold gradient in lymph flow was found between the top and bottom of the lung . In addition, the subpleural area has the poorest lymphatic drainage in the cross‐sectional plane . Therefore, the subpleural and apical area, which is the predilection site of PPFE, anatomically coincides with the area of inherently poor drainage via the lymphatic vessels.…”

Progressive plasterer’s pneumoconiosis complicated by fibrotic interstitial pneumonia: a case report

“…His VATS specimens showed mixed dust fibrosis, fibrously thickened interlobular septa, and visceral pleura, consistent with pneumoconiosis. These lesions were located along the intrapulmonary lymph nodes [4, 5], which indicated long-term mine dust exposure. Furthermore, a large amount of dust was deposited within the fibrotic lesions and an elemental analysis mainly detected Si, Al, and Fe.…”