Abstract
Histopathological findings, particularly in the reticuloendothelial system (RES), were studied in 9 cases who succumbed to sepsis and MOF after prolonged mechanical circulatory assist. Septicemia (100%), bleeding diastheses (66.6%), and MOF (88.9%) were associated with significantly marked RES changes (p<0.05) suggesting heightened macrophagic clearing of and engorgement with blood borne cell debris and breakdown products. Continual and excessive blood trauma may be etiologic in the pathogenesis of the observed RES changes, which strongly suggested RES depression and consequently, increased susceptibility to sepsis and MOF.
