Which of the following granulomatous diseases characteristically shows NON-caseating granulomas on histology?
- A Tuberculosis
- B Histoplasmosis
- C Sarcoidosis ✓
- D Leprosy (lepromatous type)
Explanation
Sarcoidosis is the classic cause of non-caseating (non-necrotizing) granulomas — tight clusters of epithelioid macrophages and giant cells without central necrosis, often with Schaumann and asteroid bodies. Tuberculosis and histoplasmosis produce caseating granulomas with central necrosis. Lepromatous leprosy does not form well-organized granulomas; instead, it shows a diffuse infiltrate of foamy macrophages (Virchow cells) packed with organisms, since robust T-cell-mediated immunity is absent.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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