17 topics with brief breakdowns: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
This section focuses on systemic connective tissue diseases, a group of pathologies driven by progressive collagen disorganization and profound immune disorders.
The articles in this section provide a detailed breakdown of the morphology of classical collagenoses: rheumatic fever (with a focus on granulomas, endocarditis, myocarditis, and pericarditis), systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis (including juvenile onset), systemic sclerosis, as well as dermatomyositis and polymyositis. Pathogenesis and key visceral manifestations are described for each nosology.
During practical classes and exams, the most strictly tested topics include the four phases of connective tissue disorganization, the cellular composition of the Aschoff–Talalayev rheumatic granuloma, the clinical and morphological forms of rheumatic fever, and visceral organ involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pay special attention during your preparation to joint changes in rheumatoid arthritis—this topic is frequently asked to be compared with rheumatic polyarthritis.
Why can different stages of tissue damage be found in a single biopsy specimen?
This occurs due to a chronic relapsing (fluctuating) course. New exacerbations overlap with old ones, so fresh disorganization, active inflammation, and areas of sclerosis with hyalinosis are simultaneously present in the tissue.
What causes metachromasia in mucoid swelling?
By the accumulation of acidic glycosaminoglycans, which change the color of the dye (toluidine blue) from blue to lilac or red.
Which tests confirm streptococcal etiology?
Isolation of group A Streptococcus from the pharynx and evaluation of antibody titers are used. The combination of antistreptolysin O (ASO) tests together with anti-DNase B or antihyaluronidase has the highest sensitivity.
Who first described rheumatic granulomas, and when?
Nodules in the myocardium were first discovered by L. Aschoff in 1904. Later, their histogenesis was described in detail by V.T. Talalayev, which is why the dual eponym is established in the literature.
Do joints deform in the polyarthritic form of rheumatism?
No, deformation does not occur. The pathological process affects the synovial membrane (synovitis develops), but the articular cartilage is not involved.
Why do thrombi not form in valvulitis?
In diffuse endocarditis (valvulitis), the integrity of the endothelial layer is preserved. Without endothelial necrosis, there are no conditions for fibrin deposition and thrombotic mass formation.
Master the entire topic in the "Pathological Anatomy" course
This is a summary. The course covers everything tested in classes and exams.
4,414 pages of study guides covering all topics
Assignments and quizzes after every topic — just like in a colloquium