Pathology · Cell Injury, Death and Adaptations (Apoptosis, Necrosis, Free Radicals)

A 30-year-old man with pulmonary tuberculosis undergoes lung biopsy. Microscopy shows amorphous granular eosinophilic debris with loss of cellular outlines, surrounded by granulomatous inflammation. Which term best describes this pattern of necrosis?

  • A Coagulative necrosis
  • B Liquefactive necrosis
  • C Fibrinoid necrosis
  • D Caseous necrosis
Correct answer: D. Caseous necrosis

Explanation

Caseous necrosis is characteristic of tuberculosis. It appears as amorphous, granular, eosinophilic debris with complete loss of cellular outlines, often described as cheese-like. Coagulative necrosis preserves cell outlines. Liquefactive necrosis produces liquid debris, typically in brain infarcts. Fibrinoid necrosis shows immune complex deposition in vessel walls.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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