Lökostasis

Lökostasis is a term used in hematology to describe the accumulation of white blood cells in the small blood vessels of the lungs. This phenomenon can occur in various clinical conditions, particularly those involving significant inflammation or infection. When white blood cells, also known as leukocytes, aggregate in the pulmonary capillaries, they can impede blood flow and contribute to respiratory distress.

The underlying mechanisms of lökostasis are complex and can involve increased adhesion molecules on the surface of leukocytes and endothelial cells, as well as changes in blood viscosity. Conditions such as sepsis, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and severe pneumonia are frequently associated with lökostasis. The presence of lökostasis can be indicative of a severe systemic inflammatory response and may correlate with a poorer prognosis.

Diagnosing lökostasis typically involves a combination of clinical presentation, laboratory findings, and imaging studies. While direct visualization of leukocyte aggregation in lung vessels is challenging, indirect evidence can be gathered from elevated white blood cell counts, markers of inflammation, and characteristic findings on chest imaging. Management strategies focus on treating the underlying cause of the inflammation or infection and supporting respiratory function. Further research is ongoing to better understand the precise role of lökostasis in various disease states and to develop targeted therapeutic interventions.