Elementary Lesions

Bronchial epithelial metaplasia

Characteristics

• Re-epithelialisation of pulmonary alveolar cysts through slippage of the bronchiolar lining

• Passage through the “Lambert channels”: continuity solution between respiratory bronchioles and adjacent alveoli

• Secondary to bronchiolectasis

Diagnostic Orientation

• Bronchiolectasis

  • dilatation of the bronchioles’ by traction of the fibrosis on the bronchiolar wall

  • opening of the bronchiole in the next alveolus

• Cylindrical bronchiolar epithelium

  • ciliated and mucous-secreting

• Bronchiolar wall

  • site of muscular cells