Pulmonary Pathology
The Pulmonary Pathology service at Cincinnati Children’s provides specialized expertise in the diagnosis of pediatric lung diseases, ranging from developmental abnormalities to infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, and interstitial lung conditions. Our pathologists are nationally and internationally recognized for their experience in evaluating lung biopsies, resections, and autopsy specimens from infants, children, and adolescents.
Collaborative Centers
Our pulmonary pathology team works in close collaboration with multidisciplinary experts within the divisions of Pulmonary Medicine, Neonatology, and Critical Care Medicine to support complex clinical decision-making. We also contribute to national research efforts through collaborations with pediatric lung disease registries and clinical trial networks.
Consultative Service
We offer comprehensive consultative services for challenging pediatric pulmonary pathology cases submitted from regional, national, and international sources. Our team provides expert review of surgical specimens, lung biopsies, and autopsy material, generating detailed diagnostic reports that support high-quality clinical care. Each case is approached with a multimodal diagnostic strategy, incorporating routine histology, special stains, and immunohistochemistry to characterize infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes. In select cases, electron microscopy is employed—particularly for disorders involving surfactant dysfunction or metabolic lung diseases—and molecular diagnostic testing is pursued when genetic or neoplastic conditions are suspected. In collaboration with pediatric pulmonologists, neonatologists, and other subspecialists, we also offer guidance on the appropriateness of additional studies and provide second opinions in complex or unresolved cases.
Areas of Expertise
- Pulmonary interstitial and diffuse lung diseases of infancy and childhood (chILD disorders)
- Surfactant protein disorders and alveolar growth abnormalities
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and other neonatal chronic lung diseases
- Congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAM)
- Pulmonary infections, including viral, fungal, and atypical pathogens
- Vascular disorders involving the lung, including pulmonary hypertension-related pathology
- Neoplastic lung lesions, both primary and metastatic
- Pulmonary involvement in systemic or metabolic diseases
- Autopsy evaluations of pulmonary pathology in perinatal and pediatric deaths
For more information about our services, contact us.
