A 75-year-old man with severe cardiac failure shows marked atrophy of the heart. Microscopy reveals golden-brown granular pigment within cardiomyocytes, predominantly near the nucleus. Which pigment is this?
- A Hemosiderin
- B Lipofuscin ✓
- C Melanin
- D Bilirubin
Correct answer: B. Lipofuscin
Explanation
Lipofuscin is a yellow-brown 'wear and tear' pigment representing indigestible residues of lipid peroxidation of membranes. It is commonly seen in atrophy of the heart and liver in elderly or cachectic patients. Hemosiderin is golden-yellow and Prussian blue positive, seen in iron overload. Melanin is brown-black. Bilirubin is green-yellow in jaundice.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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