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Psammoma bodies in meningioma. Appearance by scanning electron microscopy

H V Rizzoli, J D Randall, D R Smith

    Virchows Archiv. A, Pathological Anatomy and Histology
    |December 4, 1978
    PubMed

    Insights

    Psammoma bodies in meningiomas are mainly calcium apatite deposits. These deposits form within a core of tightly layered collagen fibers, as shown by microscopy.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuropathology
    • Mineralization research
    • Biomaterials science

    Background:

    • Psammoma bodies are calcified structures observed in various tumors, including meningiomas.
    • Their precise composition and formation mechanism remain areas of interest in neuropathology.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To characterize the ultrastructure and composition of psammoma bodies in meningiomas.
    • To elucidate the role of collagen fibers in the formation of psammoma bodies.

    Main Methods:

    • Examination of psammoma bodies from eight meningiomas.
    • Utilized both light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

    Main Results:

    • Psammoma bodies are predominantly composed of calcium apatite.
    • Calcium apatite deposition occurs within a central core (nidus) of densely packed, laminated collagen fibers.

    Conclusions:

    • The findings clarify the microstructural basis of psammoma body formation in meningiomas.
    • Highlights the interaction between collagenous matrix and mineral deposition in tumor pathology.

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