An emaciated elderly patient undergoes autopsy. The heart is small, dark brown, and the myocardial cells contain a golden-brown cytoplasmic pigment that is PAS positive and Prussian blue positive. Which intracellular accumulation accounts for this brown atrophy?
- A Hemosiderin
- B Melanin
- C Lipofuscin ✓
- D Bilirubin
Correct answer: C. Lipofuscin
Explanation
Brown atrophy of the heart results from the accumulation of lipofuscin, a wear-and-tear pigment derived from lipid peroxidation of organelle membranes. Lipofuscin is PAS positive and Prussian blue positive due to its lipid and iron content. Hemosiderin is Prussian blue positive but represents iron overload, not atrophy. Melanin is a pigment of the skin, and bilirubin accumulates in jaundice, neither causing brown atrophy.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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