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Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most frequent primary brain tumors. Limited therapeutic options and high recurrency rates lead to a dismal prognosis. One frequent, putative driver mutation is the genomic amplification of the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase EGFR. Often accompanied by variants like EGFRvIII, heterogenous expression and ligand independent signaling render this tumor subtype even more difficult to treat, as EGFR-directed therapeutics show only weak effects at best. So EGFR-amplified GBM is considered to have an even worse prognosis, and therefore, deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms and detection of potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies is urgently needed. In this study, we looked at the level of microRNAs (miRs), small non-coding RNAs frequently deregulated in cancer, both acting as oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Comparative analysis of GBM with and without EGFR amplification should give insight into the expression profiles of miRs, which are considered both as potential targets for directed therapies or as therapeutic reagents. Comparison of miR profiles of EGFR-amplified and EGFR-normal GBM revealed an upregulation of the miR-183/96/182 cluster, which is associated with oncogenic properties in several tumor entities. One prominent target of this miR cluster is FOXO1, a pro-apoptotic factor. By observing FOXO1 downregulation in EGFR-amplified tumors, we can see a significant correlation of EGFR amplification, miR-183/96/182 cluster upregulation, and repression of FOXO1. Although no significant difference in overall survival is shown, these data may contribute to the molecular understanding of this tumor subtype and offer potential targets for miR-based therapies.

Upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUCs) occur in about 5–10% of all urothelial carcinomas and are frequently discovered in high-stage disease. We aimed to evaluate human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2) protein expression immunohistochemically and ERBB2 amplification in UTUCs by fluorescence in situ hybridization, applying a tissue microarray technique. ERBB2 overexpression and ERBB2 amplification were defined according to the recommendations of the American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO/CAP) for breast cancer and gastric carcinoma (GC), revealing scores of 2+ and 3+ in 10.2% and 41.8% of UTUCs, respectively. The performance parameters showed obviously higher sensitivity of ERBB2 immunoscoring according to the ASCO/CAP criteria for GC. ERBB2 amplification was detected in 10.5% of UTUCs. ERBB2 overexpression was more likely to be found in high-grade tumors and was associated with tumor progression. Univariable Cox regression analysis revealed a significantly lower progression-free survival (PFS) in cases with ERBB2 immunoscores of 2+ or 3+ according to the ASCO/CAP guidelines for GC. UTUCs with ERBB2 amplification showed a significantly shorter PFS in the multivariable Cox regression analysis. Irrespective of their ERBB2 status, patients with UTUC treated with platin showed a significantly lower PFS than UTUC patients who had not received any platin-based therapy. In addition, UTUC patients with a normal ERBB2 gene status who had not received platin-based therapy showed significantly longer overall survival. The results suggest that ERBB2 is a biomarker for progression in UTUCs and may define a distinct subgroup of UTUCs. As previously shown, ERBB2 amplification is infrequent. However, the small number of patients diagnosed with ERBB2-amplified UTUC might benefit from ERBB2-targeted cancer therapy. In clinical–pathological routine diagnostics, the determination of ERBB2 amplification is an established method in some defined entities and also successful in small samples. Still, the simultaneous use of ERBB2 immunohistochemistry and ERBB2 in situ hybridization would be important in order to record the low rate of amplified UTUC cases as completely as possible.

Glioblastoma is one of the most frequent primary brain tumors with a poor prognosis. Nevertheless, some patients show a prolonged survival. The aim of the present study was to compare the expression profiles of tumor derived microRNA (miR) of long‑term survivors with those of short‑term survivors in order to identify differentially expressed miRs as well as their target genes, which may elucidate mechanisms that play a role in varying tumor progression and, therefore, may influence survival. Formalin‑fixed paraffin‑embedded samples of 23 patients with glioblastoma were classified according to overall survival. Profiles of miR expression were determined using Nanostring technology. Expression levels of potential target genes of differentially expressed miRs were assessed using immunohistochemistry. MiR profiles of long‑term survivors differed from those of short‑term survivors. A total of three prominent differentially expressed miRs were highlighted: MiR‑130b‑3p, which is downregulated in long‑term survivors, and miR‑146b‑5p and miR‑148a‑3p, which are upregulated in long‑term survivors. Known tumor suppressor genes are among targets potentially affected by miR‑130b‑3p, whereas targets of miR‑146b‑5p and miR‑148a‑3p consist of several genes known to have a role in tumor invasion and aggressiveness. In conclusion, it was revealed that a type of miR‑signature was associated with short‑ and long‑term survival, potentially serving as biomarker for disease progression and providing a base for further functional studies.

Ein 67-jähriger Patient entwickelte akute Kopfschmerzen, nach 2 Tagen zusätzlich Schüttelfrost und Fieber. Ein Infektfokus konnte nicht gefunden werden, periphere Lymphknoten waren nicht palpabel.Nach 2 Wochen wurden in einer 18F-FDG-PET-Computertomografie multiple mediastinale, supraklavikuläre und axilläre Lymphknotenschwellungen gesehen. Histologisch zeigten sich epitheloidzellige Granulome mit zentraler Nekrose. Tuberkulose wurde immunologisch und mikrobiologisch ausgeschlossen. Serologisch wurde eine akute Tularämie diagnostiziert.Unter der Therapie mit Ciprofloxacin für 20 Tage kam es zum Abklingen der Kopfschmerzen und Normalisierung der Entzündungsparameter.Infektionsquelle war das Einatmen erregerhaltigen Staubs beim Herausreißen einer Efeuhecke 2 Tage vor Symptombeginn. Die Tularämie (Hasenpest) ist eine Zoonose, die direkt von infizierten Tieren oder indirekt über Zecken und Mücken, inhalativ durch Einatmen von kontaminiertem Staub oder durch Ingestion von kontaminiertem Wasser übertragen werden kann. Beim histologischen Nachweis epitheloidzelliger Granulome mit Nekrosen ist die Tularämie eine seltene Differenzialdiagnose.A 67 years old man developed splitting headaches accompanied by chills and fever. No infectious focus was detected, no peripheral lymphadenopathy was found.After 2 weeks, 18F-FDG-PET-computed tomography showed mediastinal, supraclavicular and axillary lymphadenopathy. Histology revealed epithelioid granuloma with central necrosis without evidence of acid-fast bacilli. Serology was positive for tularemia.During antibiotic treatment with ciprofloxacin for 20 days, headache disappeared, and inflammatory parameters normalized.The way of infection was the inhalation of dust while tearing out an ivy hedge 2 days before onset of symptoms. Tularemia is a zoonosis transmitted either directly from infected animals or indirectly via tick or mosquito bites, inhalation of contaminated dust or ingestion of contaminated water. Tularemia is a rare cause of epithelioid granuloma with necrosis.

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) may arise in the setting of hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer (Lynch syndrome [LS]) or sporadically. Variable frequencies of microsatellite instability (MSI) were found in UTUC. For advanced solid MSI tumors, targeted therapy with programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitors is available. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of mismatch repair (MMR) protein loss and MSI in UTUC using a tissue microarray approach and further molecular and correlation analysis.We studied the immunohistochemical expression of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, and PMS2 on tissue microarrays containing formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of 128 patients with UTUC. MSI analysis was performed in 79 cases with deficient MMR protein expression, and/or in patients aged 60 years and below, and/or other tumors possibly related to LS.Loss of MMR protein expression was seen in 24 (18.8%) of 128 cases. MSI analysis revealed MSI-high in 29, MSI-low in 7 cases. The Fisher exact test demonstrated significant differences between MSI and loss of MMR protein expression, clinically possible LS, tumor growth pattern, inverted growth pattern, and death (P .001, P .001, P = .002, P = .003, and P = .033, respectively). MSI does not appear to influence survival (overall and progression-free), but there was a significant shorter progression-free survival in MSI-high versus MSS patients who had received chemotherapy.The frequency of MSI in UTUC was 36 (28.1%) of 128 patients with a good accuracy of immunohistochemistry. In daily practice, MSI screening especially is recommended in patients with advanced UTUC and inverted papillary tumor growth pattern with the aim of screening patients for possible targeted therapy.

Primary glandular bladder tumours (bladder adenocarcinoma [BAC], urachal adenocarcinoma [UAC], urothelial carcinoma with glandular differentiation [UCg]) are rare malignancies with histological resemblance to colorectal adenocarcinoma (CORAD) in the majority of this subgroup. Definite case numbers are very low, molecular data are limited and the pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Therefore, this study was designed to complement current knowledge by in depth analysis of BAC (n = 12), UAC (n = 13), UCg (n = 11) and non-invasive glandular lesions (n = 19). In BAC, in addition to known alterations in TP53, Wnt, MAP kinase and MTOR pathway, mutations in SMAD4, ARID1A and BRAF were identified. Compared to published data on muscle invasive bladder cancer (BLCA) and CORAD, UCg exhibited frequent “urothelial” like alterations while BAC and UAC were characterised by a more “colorectal” like mutational pattern. Immunohistochemically, there was no evidence of DNA mismatch repair deficiency or PD-L1 tumour cell positivity in any sample. Depending on the used antibody 0–45% of BAC, 0–30% of UCg and 0% UAC cases exhibited PD-L1 expressing tumour associated immune cells. A single BAC (9%, 1/11) showed evidence of ARID1A protein loss, and two cases of UCg (20%, 2/10) showed loss of SMARCA1 and PBRM1, respectively. Taken together, our data suggest at least in part involvement of similar pathways driving tumourigenesis of adenocarcinomas like BAC, UAC and CORAD independent of their tissue origin. Alterations of TERT and FBXW7 in single cases of intestinal metaplasia further point towards a possible precancerous character in line with previous reports.

This study aimed to refine combined targeted approaches on well-characterized, low-passage tumor models. Upon in vivo xenografting in immunodeficient mice, three cell lines from locally advanced or metastatic HNSCC were established. Following quality control and basic characterization, drug response was examined after therapy with 5-FU, Cisplatin, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (abemaciclib, THZ1). Our cell lines showed different in vitro growth kinetics, morphology, invasive potential, and radiosensitivity. All cell lines were sensitive to 5-FU, Cisplatin, and THZ1. One cell line (HNSCC48 P0 M1) was sensitive to abemaciclib. Here, Cyto-FISH revealed a partial CDKN2a deletion, which resulted from a R58* mutation. Moreover, this cell line demonstrated chromosome 12 polysomy, accompanied by an increase in CDK4-specific copy numbers. In HNSCC16 P1 M1, we likewise identified polysomy-associated CDK4-gains. Although not sensitive to abemaciclib per se, the cell line showed a G1-arrest, an increased number of acidic organelles, and a swollen structure. Notably, intrinsic resistance was conquered by Cisplatin because of cMYC and IDO-1 downregulation. Additionally, this Cisplatin-CDKI combination induced HLA-ABC and PD-L1 upregulation, which may enhance immunogenicity. Performing functional and molecular analysis on patient-individual HNSCC-models, we identified CDK4-gains as a biomarker for abemaciclib response prediction and describe an approach to conquer intrinsic CDKI resistance.

ZusammenfassungDie Sensitivität der konfokalen Mikroskopie liegt zwischen 80 und 90% und damit über der Sensitivität der Erregeridentifizierung mittels Kultur. Typischerweise kann mittels in vivo konfokaler Mikroskopie bereits am Tag der Aufnahme eine mykotische Keratitis nicht invasiv und atraumatisch diagnostiziert werden. Wir stellen eine Patientin vor mit einem Hornhautulkus im Bereich des Transplantats, ausgeprägter Hornhaut-Endothel-Epithel-Dekompensation (HEED) und retrokornealen Pilzzapfen bei Zustand nach Re-Keratoplastik vor 5 Jahren bei chronischer Transplantatabstoßungsreaktion wegen HEED bei Fuchsʼscher Endotheldystrophie. Klinisch bestand der Verdacht auf eine mykotische Keratitis. Die konventionelle en face konfokale Mikroskopie zeigte initial keine Pilzhyphen. Aufgrund des ausgeprägten Hornhautödems konnten wir erst nach einer Re-Re-Keratoplastik mittels der invertierten in vitro konfokalen Mikroskopie die Pilzhyphen im hinteren Hornhautstroma am Operationstag nachweisen. Die Histologie bestätigte die Diagnose der Keratomykose.

Anamnese und klinischer Befund Ein 67-jahriger Patient entwickelte akute Kopfschmerzen, nach 2 Tagen zusatzlich Schuttelfrost und Fieber. Ein Infektfokus konnte nicht gefunden werden, periphere Lymphknoten waren nicht palpabel. Untersuchungen und Diagnose Nach 2 Wochen wurden in einer 18F-FDG-PET-Computertomografie multiple mediastinale, supraklavikulare und axillare Lymphknotenschwellungen gesehen. Histologisch zeigten sich epitheloidzellige Granulome mit zentraler Nekrose. Tuberkulose wurde immunologisch und mikrobiologisch ausgeschlossen. Serologisch wurde eine akute Tularamie diagnostiziert. Therapie und Verlauf Unter der Therapie mit Ciprofloxacin fur 20 Tage kam es zum Abklingen der Kopfschmerzen und Normalisierung der Entzundungsparameter. Folgerung Infektionsquelle war das Einatmen erregerhaltigen Staubs beim Herausreisen einer Efeuhecke 2 Tage vor Symptombeginn. Die Tularamie (Hasenpest) ist eine Zoonose, die direkt von infizierten Tieren oder indirekt uber Zecken und Mucken, inhalativ durch Einatmen von kontaminiertem Staub oder durch Ingestion von kontaminiertem Wasser ubertragen werden kann. Beim histologischen Nachweis epitheloidzelliger Granulome mit Nekrosen ist die Tularamie eine seltene Differenzialdiagnose. History A 67 years old man developed splitting headaches accompanied by chills and fever. No infectious focus was detected, no peripheral lymphadenopathy was found. Findings and diagnosis After 2 weeks, 18F-FDG-PET-computed tomography showed mediastinal, supraclavicular and axillary lymphadenopathy. Histology revealed epithelioid granuloma with central necrosis without evidence of acid-fast bacilli. Serology was positive for tularemia. Therapy and course During antibiotic treatment with ciprofloxacin for 20 days, headache disappeared, and inflammatory parameters normalized. Conclusions The way of infection was the inhalation of dust while tearing out an ivy hedge 2 days before onset of symptoms. Tularemia is a zoonosis transmitted either directly from infected animals or indirectly via tick or mosquito bites, inhalation of contaminated dust or ingestion of contaminated water. Tularemia is a rare cause of epithelioid granuloma with necrosis.

Die histopathologische Diagnose des Nierenzellkarzinoms (NZK) ist fur die klinische Vorgehensweise wichtig, aber wenig ist daruber bekannt, welche Bedeutung die WHO-Klassifikation des NZK von 2016 fur die tagliche histopathologische Routinediagnostik hat. Das Ziel der Arbeit ist die retrospektive Aufarbeitung der histopathologischen Diagnosen der NZK der Jahre 1998 bis 2017 im Kontext der WHO-Klassifikation 2016 und Uberlebensanalysen. Es wurde eine retrospektive registerbasierte Analyse des Rostocker Nierentumorkollektivs durchgefuhrt. Uberlebensanalysen wurden angeschlossen. Es waren insgesamt 1440 NZK registriert worden, davon 77,7 % klarzellige NZK und 22,3 % nichtklarzellige NZK. Es fanden sich 2,6 % seltene NZK im Kollektiv. Diese teilten sich weiter auf in 1 % translokationsassoziierte NZK der MiT-Familie (MiT-tNZK), 0,35 % NZK-assoziiert mit erworbener Zystennierenerkrankung, 0,35 % multilokular-zystische Nierenneoplasien mit niedrig malignem Potential, 0,35 % Sammelrohrkarzinome, 0,3 % muzinos tubular spindelzellige NZK, 0,1 % klarzellig papillare NZK und 0,1 % NZK mit (angio)leiomyomatosem Stroma. Cox-Regressionsanalysen zeigten signifikant unterschiedliches Gesamt- und progressionsfreies Uberleben der Subtypen. Die Aufsplittung des NZK in mehrere Entitaten stellt erhohte Anforderungen an die histopathologische Diagnostik. An der Universitatsmedizin Rostock wurden morphologisch distinkte seltene NZK-Entitaten uberwiegend konventionell diagnostiziert; fur molekular definierte Entitaten wie das MiT-tNZK musste die molekulare Diagnostik etabliert werden. Der histologische Subtyp des NZK nach der WHO-Klassifikation 2016 ist prognostisch bedeutsam und kann Basis einer pradiktiven Pathologie sein.

Aim: We aimed to explore ceruloplasmin (CP) expression in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Materials & methods: CP was analyzed in biofluid samples of 63 ccRCC patients, divided into three grading groups, and immunohistochemically, in 308 ccRCC. Results: Significant differences of mean plasma and urine CP levels in different grading groups were found. CP immunoreactivity was significantly linked to high-grade disease. Log rank tests showed a significant shorter overall survival rate in CP-positive cases (all p

Papillary fibroelastomas (PFE) are benign neoplasms, mostly located on valvular surfaces with high embolic potential. This study presents a 27-year single institutional experience on surgical treatment of PFE in an adult patient- cohort with long-term follow-up. This study was approved by the institutional review board. Date and number of IRB approval: 11/23/2017, Institutional Review Board approval number A2014-0149. The need for individual patient consent was waived. We retrospectively evaluated all patients who underwent cardiac surgery for suspected space-occupying lesions in the observation period between June 1991 and June 2018 at our hospital. Clinicopathological features, imaging characteristics, surgical procedures and disease outcome were analyzed. 120 patients were diagnosed with various primary/secondary cardiac tumors and histology confirmed 21 PFEs were found in 16 patients. There was no significant age difference between patients with valvular vs nonvalvular PFEs (P = 0.26). Valvular lesions were found in aortic valve (n = 6), mitral valve (n = 2) and tricuspid valve (n = 1). Nonvalvular PFEs were found in right atrium (n = 2), left ventricle (n = 2), left atrial appendage (n = 2) and aortic wall (n = 1). Valvular lesions were significantly smaller in size compared to non-valvular lesions (P = 0.0013). Left-side PFEs were associated with a high embolization episodes (10/13 patients, 77%) not related to the size. One patient died in-hospital. All other patients were discharged out of the hospital postoperative. Follow-up was performed regularly for a median of 2.8 years (range 0.1–11 years) postoperative. Nonvalvular PFE tended to be larger in size and at least when located on the left sided heart had equally high propensity to embolize compared to valvular PFE. We strongly advocate surgical excision in all left-sided PFE.

Ureteric stents have become an indispensable tool in the armamentarium of every urologist. However, they carry their own morbidity resulting mostly from infectious or abacterial fouling and biofilm formation, and/or urothelial hyperplastic reaction. All of these may interact and lead to clinical complications. Many different stent designs and coatings have been proposed. In this study, we focused on the effect of paclitaxel-coated stents on hyperplastic proliferation of ureteral tissue, using as example anastomotic strictures after ureteroureterostomy in a rat model. Human urothelial cells (SV-HUC-1) were used to determine paclitaxel dosages in vitro. Polyurethane stents were coated with a paclitaxel containing biodegradable polymer and studied in a ureteroureterostomy rat model. 48 male 9-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats underwent either sham surgery (n = 16) or ureteroureterostomy with sutured anastomosis, and consecutive stenting with either a paclitaxel-coated or an uncoated stent (16 per group), respectively. The animals received daily intraperitoneal injections of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (20 mg/ml, 100 mg/kg body weight) during the first eight postoperative days, and were sacrificed on day 28. Healing of the ureteral anastomosis and proliferation of urothelial cells was examined histologically and immunohistochemically. In vitro, a concentration of 10 ng/mm2 paclitaxel can be considered as non-toxic, while still exerting an anti-proliferative effect on urothelial cells. Histologically, typical wound healing processes were seen at the site of the ureteral anastomosis in vivo. Proliferation of urothelial cells was significantly lower in animals with paclitaxel-coated stents compared to those with uncoated stents (LI 41.27 vs. 51.58, p

The sensitivity of confocal microscopy ranges between 80 and 90% and thus lies above the sensitivity of pathogen identification by microbiological culture. Typically, in vivo confocal microscopy enables us to diagnose mycotic keratitis non-invasively and atraumatically on the day of admission. Herein we present a patient with an ulcer on a corneal graft, pronounced corneal endothelial epithelial decompensation and a retrocorneal fungal adhesion after repeat-keratoplasty 5 years ago - due to chronic graft rejection after keratoplasty for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. Clinically there was a suspicion of fungal keratitis. Conventional en face confocal microscopy, however, did not detect hyphae. Due to the pronounced corneal endothelial epithelial decompensation, we were able to detect the fungal hyphae only after repeat penetrating keratoplasty by means of inverted in vitro confocal microscopy on the day of surgery. Histology confirmed the diagnosis of keratomycosis.Die Sensitivität der konfokalen Mikroskopie liegt zwischen 80 und 90% und damit über der Sensitivität der Erregeridentifizierung mittels Kultur. Typischerweise kann mittels in vivo konfokaler Mikroskopie bereits am Tag der Aufnahme eine mykotische Keratitis nicht invasiv und atraumatisch diagnostiziert werden. Wir stellen eine Patientin vor mit einem Hornhautulkus im Bereich des Transplantats, ausgeprägter Hornhaut-Endothel-Epithel-Dekompensation (HEED) und retrokornealen Pilzzapfen bei Zustand nach Re-Keratoplastik vor 5 Jahren bei chronischer Transplantatabstoßungsreaktion wegen HEED bei Fuchsʼscher Endotheldystrophie. Klinisch bestand der Verdacht auf eine mykotische Keratitis. Die konventionelle en face konfokale Mikroskopie zeigte initial keine Pilzhyphen. Aufgrund des ausgeprägten Hornhautödems konnten wir erst nach einer Re-Re-Keratoplastik mittels der invertierten in vitro konfokalen Mikroskopie die Pilzhyphen im hinteren Hornhautstroma am Operationstag nachweisen. Die Histologie bestätigte die Diagnose der Keratomykose.

To evaluate uveal melanoma cell activity and pathologic features after stereotactic CyberKnife radiosurgery in specimens from five patients. Specimens from five patients treated by CyberKnife radiosurgery in three fractions were included in this study. Because of persistent retinal detachment in 3 patients, tumour endoresection was performed at four, seven and ten month after CyberKnife radiosurgery. At nine and twelve months after treatment, enucleation of the eye globe was performed in 2 patients because of secondary tumour bleeding and missing regression. After histomorphological analysis and determination of Ki67-proliferation index, DNA cytophotometry, fluorescence in-situ hybridization evaluation for chromosome 3 loss, GNA11and GNAQ mutation analysis were performed. Four of the five tumours included in this study showed variable radiation-induced morphologic changes in the form of enlargement of cells and nuclei, cytoplasmic vacuolisation and nuclear fragmentation. The DNA content of a large fraction of tumour cells was hypoploid. On the other hand, single strikingly hyperchromatic melanoma cells showed marked aneuploidy. The proliferation fraction in the three endoresected tumours was very low (

Aim: To evaluate the expression and prognostic value of RARRES1 at protein level in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials & methods: Expression profile of RARRES1 was analyzed in 903 documented RCC followed by clinicopathological correlations and survival analysis. Results: RARRES1 expression was seen in 72.5% of RCC. A stronger RARRES1 expression was seen in high grade compared with low grade RCC (p < 0.001). Logrank tests revealed shorter overall survival in RARRES1 positive RCC (p = 0.006) and in pT1/2 tumors with RARRES1 expression (p = 0.002). Conclusion: The variable expression profile in low and high grade RCC may reflect and confirm the differences of previous gene expression analysis. There was a significant prognostic value of RARRES1 expression in patients with RCC, especially in pT1/2 tumors.

Noxen sind Agenzien oder Umstande aus der belebten oder unbelebten Umwelt, die pathogene Wirkungen auf den menschlichen Organismus haben konnen. Mikrobiologische Noxen d.h. Infektionserreger konnen Gewebe schadigen und sind sehr haufige Krankheitsursachen. Es werden exemplarisch bakterielle, mykotische und virale Infektionen dargestellt, die im klinischen Alltag besonders relevant sind.

Erkrankungen der Gefase, an vorderster Front die Arteriosklerose mit ihren Folgeerscheinungen, steht an erster Stelle der Todesursachenstatistik in den westlichen Industrienationen. Insbesondere bei arterieller Hypertonie, Diabetes mellitus und Nikotinabusus tritt die Arteriosklerose (Arterienverhartung) fruhzeitig und verstarkt auf. Die Folgen sind arterielle Thrombosen mit Organinfarkten, wie der Myokardinfarkt, der im zeitlichen Ablauf unterschiedliche histologische Veranderungen aufweist.

Zu Beginn des Skriptes finden die Studenten als kurze Einfuhrung in die Thematik eine Wiederholung der allgemeinen Histologie ausgewahlter Organe. Diese dient als kleine Nachschlaghilfe, die zum Vergleich mit den folgenden pathologischen Praparaten herangezogen werden kann. Zudem bietet diese eine Orientierungshilfe zum Auffinden der wichtigsten mikroskopischen Strukturen und erleichtert die Organdiagnose, welche einen wichtigen Schritt in der histopathologischen Auswertung darstellt.