Periarteriolar lymphocytic infiltrate
Occasionally a small focus of lymphocytes may be seen in the distant connective tissues or around small vessels of distant connective tissues (periarteriolar lymphocytic infiltration
Additional histological features can be observed in GCA.
These include disruption of the tunica media, disruption of the internal elastic lamina, intimal thickening, luminal occlusion, neoangiogenesis and periarteriolar lymphocytic infiltrate.
Whilst these features are not specific for GCA, it is important to recognise these additional features as these can give clues to possible differential diagnosis and/or prompt further investigation.
Occasionally a small focus of lymphocytes may be seen in the distant connective tissues or around small vessels of distant connective tissues (periarteriolar lymphocytic infiltration
Neoangiogeneisis is defined as the formation of new capillaries. This tends to occur at the intima and intima-media junction.
The tunica media comprises a single layer of endothelial cells supported by a basement membrane. Intimal thickening can be circumferential or focal. It is caused
Disruption of the tunica media is not a specific feature of GCA; however, it is often observed in TABs. Consensus work with expert pathologists have
Consensus work with pathologists have agreed that it is best to quantify luminal occlusion by broadly specifying if it is <50%, >50% or completely occluded.
Disruption of the internal elastic lamina is not a specific feature of GCA and can be found in TAB showing features of age-related changes and/or
This project is funded by Leeds Hospital Charity and The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. All whole slide images are hosted on the Leeds Virtual Pathology website and we are grateful for their collaboration.
Further information on our funder and collaborators can be found here:
Leeds Hospital Charity: www.leedshospitalscharity.org.uk
The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland: www.pathsoc.org
Leeds Virtual Pathology website: www.virtualpathology.leeds.ac.uk
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