X-Ray Diffraction Analysis of Crystals in Pathology

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Abstract
Six cases, representing 7 different crystalline substances, have been described, illustrating the application of X-ray diffraction analysis of crystals occurring in routine pathology. The corresponding diffraction patterns with interplanar spacing data are included. The crystals and the corresponding tissue sites were as follows: (1) Silica and kaolinite-lung. (2) Thorotrast-liver and spleen. (3) Mercuric sulfide-skin tattoo. (4) Calcite-pancreatic calculus. (5) Barium sulfate-lung. (6) Apatite-heart. All of the analyses were preformed with formalin-fixed tissue, using the Debye-Scherrer powder method. No prior chemical manipulation or isolation of crystals was necessary. The advantages and limitations of the diffraction method of crystal analysis are discussed.