How Does Histology Differentiate Between Neurogenic and Myopathic Changes?
Differentiating between neurogenic and myopathic changes is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Neurogenic changes, resulting from nerve damage, typically show:
- Grouped Atrophy: Clusters of atrophic muscle fibers. - Fiber Type Grouping: Loss of the normal mosaic pattern of type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers.
In contrast, myopathic changes, resulting from primary muscle disease, typically show:
- Random Atrophy and Hypertrophy: Variation in fiber size without a specific pattern. - Necrosis and Regeneration: Presence of necrotic and regenerating fibers scattered throughout the muscle.