A pathologist reviews sections from the border zone of an infarct in a patient who received fibrinolytic therapy. The cardiomyocytes show densely eosinophilic transverse bands of hypercontracted sarcomeres. This finding specifically indicates:
- A Coagulation necrosis from permanent coronary occlusion
- B Myocarditis from viral infection
- C Reperfusion injury ✓
- D Chronic ischemic remodeling with hibernating myocardium
Correct answer: C. Reperfusion injury
Explanation
Contraction band necrosis arises when restored blood flow delivers calcium to irreversibly injured cells, causing hypercontraction of myofibrils and transverse eosinophilic bands. It is the histological signature of reperfused infarction and also occurs in catecholamine excess. Pure coagulation necrosis without these bands implies uninterrupted occlusion; hibernating myocardium is viable and shows no necrosis.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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