39. Viral myocarditis
Staining: HE
Organ: Myocardium
Description:
We can see many sections of myocardium. The myocardium has many focal accumulations of lymphocytes. Some foci of the myocardium contain no cells, and some have an abnormal cloudy/wavy appearance.
Diagnosis: Viral myocarditis
Causes:
- Coxsackie virus
Theory:
Two findings are characteristic for myocarditis: focal lymphocyte accumulation and focal cell necrosis. We can see two evidences for focal cell necrosis:
- Areas where there are no nuclei
- Areas that are wavy/cloudy in appearance