Coagulation Necrosis

Coagulation Necrosis

Coagulation necrosis is the type of necrosis in which denaturation of cellular proteins and hydrolytic enzymes is typically caused by ischemia or infarction.

The lack of lysosomal enzymes allows it to maintain a ‘coagulated’ morphology for some time.

The remaining coagulated tissue liquefies slowly by heterolysis.

Coagulation necrosis occurs in-

•      Calf diphtheria,

•      Infarct of solid organs, e.g., heart, spleen, kidney (except brain),

•      Zenker’s necrosis etc.

Causes:

•      Local ischemia,

•      Microbial toxins (Calf diphtheria),

•      Certain locally acting poisons, e.g., HgCl_2,

•      Mild burn

Gross lesions:

•      The necrotic area is paler than normal.

•      The necrotic tissue is denser, firmer and depressed than the surrounding normal tissue.

Microscopic lesions:

•      Normal architecture of cells and tissue are present.

•      Cytoplasm becomes more acidophilic and nucleus becomes pyknotic or karyolytic.

Significance of coagulation necrosis:

•      In advance stage, it turns to liquefaction necrosis.

•      Coagulation necrosis is the indication of some specific diseases, e.g.,calf diphtheria,

ü  human diphtheria,

ü  white muscle diseases etc.