Objective:

To evaluate the histopathological changes present in the lungs and respiratory muscles (diaphragm and ECOM) of the corpses with a diagnosis of COPD.

Methods:

This is a blind and descriptive study with analysis of histological images of biopsy. The history of smoking associated with the presence of pulmonary anthracosis, septal thickening and emphysematous bullae included the inclusion criteria of the study. The sample consisted of lung, diaphragm and ECOM biopsies. The study was performed by optical microscopic analysis of histological sheets obtained from 36 bodies with COPD. The histopathological diagnosis was made by a pathologist who did not know the objectives of the study.

Results:

In the diaphragm, there was the presence of interposed adipose tissue, muscular atrophy, removal of muscle fibers and fibrosis. In ECOM, the elimination of muscle fibers, muscular atrophy, interposed adipose tissue, muscle hypertrophy and thickening of the tendons were also evident.

Conclusion:

The changes found in the diaphragm and ECOM muscle biopsies of the bodies with COPD were evidenced as a mechanism of compensation and / or dysfunction of the respiratory system due to biomechanical alterations promoted by the disease.

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