ÜBER DIE MYOKARDSARKOIDOSE—PATHOLOGISCHE UNTERSUCHUNGEN AN 7 SEKTIONSFÄLLEN UNTER BESONDERER BERÜCKSICHTIGUNG DER HISTOLOGISCHEN VARIATIONEN

Abstract

The present report consists of seven autopsy cases of myocardial sarcoidosis terminating in death 1 month to 5 years after the onset of symptoms. Histologically, they were classified into the following 4 types: a) diase nonspeciflc Branulation, b) specific granuloma with giant cells, c) diffuse fibrosis with giant cells, and d) nonspeciflc fibrosis. Types a) and b) demonstrate active changes, while c) and d) are sequelae of active inflammation. Morphological changes of sarcoidosis were found not only in myocardium but also in both pericardum and endocardium. Although no Anal conclusions could be obtained as to whether the giant cells appearing in myocardium were of mesenchymal or myogenic origin, the authors favor the latter concept. Changes compatible to sarcoidosis found in other organs in acute cases were scarce and old. On the contrary, more active and variable changes were encountered in protracted cases. The authors consider giant cell myocarditie to be one type of sarcoidosis occurring in the heart.