What are the Common Histological Features of Muscle Diseases?
Several histological features are commonly observed in muscle diseases, including:
- Fiber Size Variation: This indicates a mixture of atrophic (shrunken) and hypertrophic (enlarged) muscle fibers. - Necrosis and Regeneration: Necrotic muscle fibers can be seen alongside regenerating fibers, which often have basophilic cytoplasm and central nuclei. - Inflammatory Infiltrates: Presence of inflammatory cells, such as lymphocytes, macrophages, and eosinophils, suggesting an inflammatory myopathy. - Fibrosis: Excess connective tissue replacing muscle fibers, indicative of chronic muscle damage. - Inclusions and Vacuoles: Abnormal deposits within muscle fibers, which can be seen in conditions like inclusion body myositis.
