A 72-year-old woman with hypertension and diabetes presents with sudden cardiac death. Autopsy reveals a transmural myocardial infarction. Histology shows a pale, avascular area of coagulated myocardium with loss of nuclei, surrounded by a thin rim of granulation tissue with numerous thin-walled capillaries and fibroblasts. What is the most likely age of this infarct?
- A 24 hours
- B 5 to 7 days
- C 10 to 14 days ✓
- D 4 to 6 weeks
Correct answer: C. 10 to 14 days
Explanation
At 10-14 days, granulation tissue is well established with active angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation, but mature collagen deposition has not yet occurred. At 24 hours, only early coagulation necrosis and minimal neutrophilic infiltration are seen. At 5-7 days, granulation tissue is just beginning. At 4-6 weeks, a dense fibrotic scar would be present.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
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