Nodular amyloidosis: differentiation from colloid milium by electron microscopy.
Kimberly W Lai1, Emily Lambert, Stephen Coleman
1University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. kimberly_lai@urmc.rochester.edu
The American Journal of Dermatopathology
|June 23, 2009
Summary
Nodular amyloidosis, a skin condition, involves amyloid protein deposits. Electron microscopy confirmed the diagnosis by revealing characteristic filaments, aiding differentiation from colloid milium.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pathology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Nodular amyloidosis is a primary cutaneous condition involving amyloid L-type fibril protein deposition in the dermis.
- Distinguishing nodular amyloidosis from colloid milium can be challenging using standard clinical and histological methods.
Observation:
- A case study of a 45-year-old male patient presenting with nodular amyloidosis is detailed.
- The patient's condition presented with characteristic dermatological signs.
Findings:
- Diagnosis was definitively confirmed through electron microscopy.
- Electron microscopy revealed characteristic filamentous structures indicative of amyloid deposition.
Implications:
- This case highlights the utility of electron microscopy in diagnosing primary cutaneous amyloidosis.
- Accurate differentiation is crucial for appropriate patient management and understanding of cutaneous amyloidosis subtypes.
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Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid Fibrils
Amyloid fibrils are aggregates of misfolded proteins. Under most circumstances, misfolded proteins are either refolded by chaperone proteins or degraded by the proteasome. However, in the case of a mutation or a disease, these proteins can accumulate to form large clusters and often further assemble to form elongated fibers, called fibrils.
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...
Amyloid deposits were observed as early as 1639 in the liver and the spleen. In 1854, Rudolph Virchow performed iodine staining, normally used to...

