Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center

NeuroTest Question #78 Next question Previous question

Answer: Regenerating cluster in axonal neuropathy.  Level of difficulty: 4 NeuroTest NeuroLearn NeuroHelp

Discussion: 

• Pathology of the case: This is a regenerating cluster. It is resulted from regeneration after axonal necrosis. Note that the structure is composed of several myelinated small fibers that arrange in a shape reminiscent of a large myelinated fibers. On plastic (semi-thin) sections, the regenerating clusters can be detected easily.
• There is no evidence of segmental demyelination.
• There is no necrotic axons in this photograph. The characteristic features of necrotic axons include degredation of the axon, mylein spheorids, and phagocytic activity.
• Hypertrophic changes typically appear as concentric arrangement of Schwann cells that lead to a concentric arrangement. That feature is not present here.

Comment: KarMing-Fung@ouhsc.edu