Related Experiment Videos
Pseudofungi in a lymph node. A case report with energy dispersive X-ray elemental analysis
J Connelly1, J Y Ro, J Cartwright
1Department of Pathology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|November 11, 1991
Summary
Pseudofungi in lymph nodes mimic true fungi but are mineral deposits. Advanced analysis revealed these structures contain iron, phosphorus, and calcium, aiding correct diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Pathology
- Medical Mycology
- Mineralogy
Background:
- Axillary lymph node biopsies can present diagnostic challenges.
- Morphological similarities between certain artifacts and true fungal elements necessitate careful evaluation.
- Distinguishing pseudofungal structures from actual fungal infections is critical for appropriate patient management.
Observation:
- A case presented pseudofungal structures in axillary lymph nodes.
- These structures stained positive with periodic acid-Schiff stain and resembled septate hyphae.
- Gomori methenamine silver stain did not stain these structures.
Findings:
- Morphological resemblance to septate hyphae and positive periodic acid-Schiff staining can lead to misinterpretation as true fungi.
- Energy-dispersive x-ray elemental analysis and special stains identified the structures as composed of iron, phosphorus, and calcium.
- These findings differentiate the structures from true fungal organisms.
Implications:
- Correct identification of pseudofungi prevents unnecessary antifungal treatment.
- Understanding the composition (iron, phosphorus, calcium) aids in differentiating these from true fungal elements.
- Recognition of these pseudofungal mimics is important for accurate pathological diagnosis in lymph node biopsies.