Curschmann's spirals
Curschmann's Spirals
Curschmann's spirals (pronounced: kursh-man's spy-rals) are a clinical finding typically associated with certain respiratory diseases, notably asthma. They are named after the German physician Heinrich Curschmann, who first described them in the late 19th century.
Etymology
The term "Curschmann's spirals" is derived from the name of Heinrich Curschmann (1846–1910), a German physician who made significant contributions to the field of pulmonology. He was the first to describe these spiral-shaped mucus plugs found in the sputum of patients with asthma.
Definition
Curschmann's spirals are spiral-shaped mucus plugs that can be found in the sputum of patients with certain respiratory diseases. They are composed of a clear, gel-like substance and are often associated with increased mucus production.
Clinical Significance
Curschmann's spirals are most commonly associated with asthma, a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. They are thought to be a result of the hypersecretion of mucus that is characteristic of this condition. The presence of Curschmann's spirals in sputum can be a sign of an ongoing or recent asthma attack.
In addition to asthma, Curschmann's spirals can also be found in other conditions that involve increased mucus production, such as chronic bronchitis and cystic fibrosis.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Curschmann's spirals
- Wikipedia's article - Curschmann's spirals
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