Bilateral Amyloidosis of the Orbit

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The histopathological findings of the bilateral case report support current theories on amyloid formation. Evidence of amyloid formation lies in the morphology in general, with foreign-body reaction around eosinophilic homogeneous masses, the onion-skin structure in and around vessels, the positive alkaline Congo red staining showing green dichroism in polarized light (although confined to a few areas only) and the auto- and thioflavin fluorescence. The ultrastructure is in accordance with the rod and granular type of amyloid known to bind alkaline Congo red poorly in contrast to the linear structure of the fibrillar form, thus explaining the weak stainings described. The numerous pyroninophilic cells found in the connective tissue between the homogeneous masses and the PAS [periodic acid-Schiff] positive cells at the border of these masses fit elegantly into the 2 phase theory for the formation of amyloid material. The finding of the many IgG [immunoglobulin G] carrying lymphoid cells may support Glenner''s theory of the Ig origin of amyloid fibrils. Lymphocytic infiltration of the lacrimal gland is reactive. The connection between the benign lymphoepithelial lesion of the parotid gland and the orbital lesions is obscure. Both may be autoimmune reactions, the orbital reaction representing a prolonged stimulation of the immune mechanism.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: