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Central spherules in pulmonary corpora amylacea
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
|December 1, 1978
Summary
Pulmonary corpora amylacea, found in 0.6% of autopsies, may originate from inhaled lycopodium spores. This inhalation theory explains their unique size and sporadic occurrence in lungs.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary pathology
- Respiratory system research
- Toxicology
Background:
- Pulmonary corpora amylacea are rare microscopic findings in lung tissue.
- Their origin and formation mechanism remain incompletely understood.
- Previous studies have not definitively identified exogenous sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origin and formation of pulmonary corpora amylacea.
- To determine the prevalence of pulmonary corpora amylacea in an unselected autopsy population.
- To explore potential exogenous sources, such as inhaled spores.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 6,500 unselected autopsy cases.
- Morphologic examination of 1,000 pulmonary corpora amylacea.
- Comparison of internal sphere morphology with known biological structures.
Main Results:
- Pulmonary corpora amylacea were identified in 37 cases (0.6%).
- Thirty corpora amylacea contained intact hollow spheres (15-20 μm diameter).
- Morphology suggests derivation from plant spores, possibly lycopodium.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled lycopodium spores are a plausible source for pulmonary corpora amylacea.
- This exogenous origin explains the observed sporadic incidence and uniform size.
- Further research is warranted to confirm the lycopodium hypothesis.
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