Walter Pagel

Chemotherapy and cavity wall: Histological observations

Summary o (1) Unusual features in 3 cases with healing cavities included: o (a) Replacement of the caseous and tuberculous cavity walls by granulation tissue or (b) By a fibrotic ring without any epithelial lining, but occasional small patches of foreign body granuloma. (c) Conversion of the cavity into an open space with a patent bronchus and residual caseous matter in one or several recesses. (2) These new features are considered to be due to the new factor of chemotherapy. (3) Cleansing of cavity walls with preservation of cavity space can occur without epithelialization of the broncho-cavitary junction and may be lacking in spite of the latter. The direct action of chemotherapy on the tubercular wall of the cavity is, therefore, suggested.