Abstract | CONTEXT: OBJECTIVE: To study the staining properties of MCC versus other crystalline materials using the MMPS stain. DESIGN: Archival, formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung specimens that contained birefringent crystals, including MCC (3 cases of intravenous drug abuse), talc (2 cases of intravenous drug abuse, 1 talc pleurodesis), mixed silicates (1 case of silicate pneumoconiosis), and calcium oxalate (1 case of aspergillosis from Aspergillus niger infection), were evaluated with MMPS. Crystal identification was confirmed by morphology, other histochemical stains, infrared spectroscopy (1 case), and cellulose controls. RESULTS: The MMPS stained the MCC bright yellow in tissue and control specimens. Talc stained light greenish-blue; mixed silicates appeared either greenish-blue or unstained. Oxalate crystals stained sea-green. Crospovidone, a nonbirefringent tablet filler substance, stained yellow to dark green with MMPS and was easily distinguished from MCC. Starch granules were unstained by MMPS. CONCLUSIONS: The MMPS is an excellent method for the histochemical identification of MCC in tissue and its separation from other birefringent crystals with which MCC might be confused. The MMPS is especially useful in the evaluation of pulmonary foreign body embolization in cases of suspected intravenous substance abuse.
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Authors | Saroj Sigdel, J Todd Gemind, Joseph F Tomashefski Jr |
Journal | Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine
(Arch Pathol Lab Med)
Vol. 135
Issue 2
Pg. 249-54
(Feb 2011)
ISSN: 1543-2165 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 21284446
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Coloring Agents
- Particulate Matter
- Suspensions
- Tablets
- Cellulose
- microcrystalline cellulose
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Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Cellulose
(analysis)
- Coloring Agents
- Female
- Humans
- Lung
(pathology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Particulate Matter
(analysis)
- Staining and Labeling
(methods)
- Suspensions
(adverse effects)
- Tablets
(adverse effects)
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