Definition

Noun: * Alveolar ectasia: A medical condition characterized by the abnormal, irreversible enlargement or dilation of the alveoli (the tiny air sacs) in the lungs. This enlargement is typically due to the destruction of the alveolar walls, leading to a loss of elasticity and impaired gas exchange.

Usage

• This term is a highly specialized medical term used primarily in clinical, pathological, and radiological contexts.
• It is used to describe a structural abnormality found in certain lung diseases.
• Example: "The patient's high-resolution CT scan revealed signs of alveolar ectasia, consistent with advanced emphysema."

Advanced Usage

• Alveolar ectasia is often discussed in relation to the pathophysiology of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), particularly emphysema. It is not typically used as a standalone diagnosis but as a descriptive term for the anatomical changes observed.
• Example: "The study focused on the correlation between the degree of alveolar ectasia and the severity of airflow limitation."

Variants and Related Words

• Alveolus (noun): The singular form, referring to one of the many tiny, thin-walled air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs.
• Ectasia (noun): A general medical term for the dilation or distension of a tubular structure or hollow organ (e.g., duct ectasia, corneal ectasia).
• Emphysema (noun): A common type of COPD where alveolar ectasia and destruction are the primary pathological features.
• Alveolar dilation: A less formal, descriptive synonym for alveolar ectasia.

Synonyms

• Alveolar dilation
• Alveolar enlargement (in a pathological context)

Notes on Meaning

• The term specifically denotes an abnormal and permanent enlargement. Normal alveolar inflation during breathing is not referred to as ectasia.
• It implies a loss of the normal architecture of the lung tissue, distinguishing it from simple overinflation.

Noun

1. abnormal enlargement of the air sacs in the lungs