General and Systemic Histopathology, C601&C602
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Here we have multiple
serial sections of the skin biopsy. Once you've scanned the entire
slide, look in the dermis for the characteristic malignant endothelial
cells. See this slide with the virtual microscope. |
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Yes, this biopsy is from an AIDS patient. Note the extravasated RBC's in the surrounding connective tissue and the bizarre and very disturbed looking endothelial cells that comprise this lesion. You will see many very abnormal "fibroblast" looking cells, but these are really bizarre endothelial cells. You will also see some dark brown or black pigment in the background and possibly in some of the histiocytes. This pigment is actually iron from the red blood cells that have previously broken down. An iron stain, such as a Prussian Blue, would really highlight this feature. |