An autopsy on a patient who died of lobar pneumonia shows a red-brown, firm, airless lobe that sinks in water. Microscopically, the alveoli are filled with fibrin, red blood cells, and neutrophils with preserved alveolar walls. This morphological stage is called:

• A Grey hepatization
• B Red hepatization ✓
• C Congestion stage
• D Resolution stage

Explanation

Red hepatization is the second stage of lobar pneumonia, occurring days 2–4, where the lobe becomes firm and airless with a liver-like consistency and red-brown color. Alveoli are packed with fibrin, extravasated RBCs, and neutrophils. Grey hepatization follows as RBCs are lysed and fibrin persists with macrophage infiltration. The preserved alveolar architecture distinguishes pneumonia from destructive lesions like abscess.

Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

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