General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602
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In this case, we're looking
for a thin band of homogeneous, pink staining, proteinaceous material on
the epicardial surface of the heart. This represents an exudate composed
largely of protein material. You will see very few inflammatory cells. See this slide with the virtual microscope. |
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Now you can see how devoid of inflammatory cells this exude is. Remember it consists almost totally of protein (fibrin plus other trash). It looks the way I think "tofu" would look if sectioned and stained. This "exudate" is a product of renal failure, is completely sterile, and occurs secondary to the crystallization nitrogenous wastes on the epicardial and pericardial surfaces. This is a consequence of many forms of long term kidney disease that eventuate in renal failure. |