Case PresentationsMay 09, 1997
Case Presentations
These are nice cases which illustrate the usefulness of EM for these paraffin processed specimens, and points out the issue that specimens should not necessarily be rejected because they have been paraffinized. While Table 1 points out some of the ultrastructural features identifiable after paraffin treatment, it is not inclusive.
On the other hand, one should not go to the archives and try EM on the paraffin blocks of some specimens, such as those in which the cell surface features are important to document--for example, cell surface features such as pinocytotic vesicles and fragmented basement membranes, which may not be preserved. We will always accept paraffin blocks, as long as we advise the pathologist that the yield may not be fruitful. If it comes out Roses, great. But, if there are no recognizable features which would suggest a diagnosis, we know we still went the extra yard.
We use deparaffinized cases frequently. To get the best preservation, we sample the areas of interest that are at the surface of the tissue. This is the surface that is exposed to formalin (buffered to a hyperosmolar state).
We have also used ThinPrep fixative (Cytology).
Are these patients & Doctors aware there is a Histiocytosis Association--www.histio.org---1-800-548-2758 where Doctors as well as patients can get information & talk with others.
A variety of online resources are available for information regarding Histiocytosis X. Some of these online sources include AOL's Netfind and NIH's Free Medline and Grateful Med
Discussion
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