What is the Significance of Siderophages in Pathology?
Siderophages are often seen in conditions associated with bleeding or iron overload. They are commonly found in the lungs in cases of chronic heart failure, a condition known as "heart failure cells". Their presence can also indicate prior bleeding episodes in various tissues, including the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. In forensic pathology, the identification of siderophages can help determine the timing of hemorrhage.