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'''Caseous necrosis''' is a distinctive form of [[cell death]] in which the tissue acquires a cheese-like appearance. The term "caseous" is derived from the Latin word "caseus," meaning cheese. This type of necrosis is most commonly associated with [[tuberculosis]] infections due to the [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] bacterium, but it can also occur in other conditions. Caseous necrosis is characterized by the presence of a white, soft, and friable necrotic material at the site of infection or inflammation.
{{SI}} {{Infobox medical condition
 
| name                    = Caseous necrosis
| image                  = [[File:Tuberculous_lymph_node_with_caseating_granuloma_40X.jpg|250px]]
| caption                = Histological image of a tuberculous lymph node with caseating granuloma
| field                  = [[Pathology]]
| synonyms                = Caseation necrosis
| complications          = [[Cavitation (pathology)]], [[Fibrosis]], [[Calcification]]
| onset                  =
| duration                =
| types                  =
| causes                  = [[Tuberculosis]], [[Histoplasmosis]], [[Coccidioidomycosis]], [[Syphilis]]
| risks                  =
| diagnosis              = [[Histopathology]]
| differential            = [[Liquefactive necrosis]], [[Coagulative necrosis]]
| prevention              =
| treatment              =
| medication              =
| prognosis              =
| frequency              =
| deaths                  =
}}
[[File:Tuberculosis_-_Sub-pleural_primary_(Ghon)_focus_(6596011395).jpg|Sub-pleural primary (Ghon) focus of tuberculosis|thumb|left]]
[[File:Renal_tuberculosis_(6539942987).jpg|Renal tuberculosis|thumb|left]]
[[Caseous necrosis]] is a form of cell death in which the tissue maintains a cheese-like appearance. It is typically associated with [[tuberculosis]] infections and is characterized by the presence of [[caseating granulomas]]. The necrotic tissue appears as a soft and white proteinaceous dead cell mass. This type of necrosis is also seen in other conditions such as [[histoplasmosis]], [[coccidioidomycosis]], and [[syphilis]].
The diagnosis of caseous necrosis is primarily made through [[histopathology]], where the necrotic tissue can be observed under a microscope. It is important to differentiate it from other types of necrosis, such as [[liquefactive necrosis]] and [[coagulative necrosis]].
Complications of caseous necrosis can include [[cavitation (pathology)]], where the necrotic tissue forms cavities, as well as [[fibrosis]] and [[calcification]] of the affected tissue.'''Caseous necrosis''' is a distinctive form of [[cell death]] in which the tissue acquires a cheese-like appearance. The term "caseous" is derived from the Latin word "caseus," meaning cheese. This type of necrosis is most commonly associated with [[tuberculosis]] infections due to the [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] bacterium, but it can also occur in other conditions. Caseous necrosis is characterized by the presence of a white, soft, and friable necrotic material at the site of infection or inflammation.
==Etiology==
==Etiology==
Caseous necrosis is primarily caused by the body's immune response to the [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] bacterium. However, it can also be triggered by other types of bacterial or fungal infections. The immune response to these pathogens leads to the formation of [[granuloma]]s, which are small areas of inflammation. Within these granulomas, the center may become necrotic, leading to the characteristic cheese-like appearance.
Caseous necrosis is primarily caused by the body's immune response to the [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] bacterium. However, it can also be triggered by other types of bacterial or fungal infections. The immune response to these pathogens leads to the formation of [[granuloma]]s, which are small areas of inflammation. Within these granulomas, the center may become necrotic, leading to the characteristic cheese-like appearance.
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
The pathophysiology of caseous necrosis involves the accumulation of [[lymphocytes]], [[macrophages]], and other immune cells around the infectious agent. These cells attempt to isolate and destroy the pathogen. During this process, a granuloma is formed, which consists of a central area of necrotic tissue surrounded by immune cells. The central necrotic area undergoes caseous necrosis due to the inability of the body's immune system to completely eradicate the pathogen. This results in the accumulation of dead cells and debris, giving the necrotic tissue its cheese-like appearance.
The pathophysiology of caseous necrosis involves the accumulation of [[lymphocytes]], [[macrophages]], and other immune cells around the infectious agent. These cells attempt to isolate and destroy the pathogen. During this process, a granuloma is formed, which consists of a central area of necrotic tissue surrounded by immune cells. The central necrotic area undergoes caseous necrosis due to the inability of the body's immune system to completely eradicate the pathogen. This results in the accumulation of dead cells and debris, giving the necrotic tissue its cheese-like appearance.
==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
The clinical features of caseous necrosis depend on the location and extent of the necrosis. In tuberculosis, caseous necrosis is often found in the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, and kidneys. Symptoms may include chronic cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If the necrosis occurs in other organs, symptoms will vary according to the organ affected.
The clinical features of caseous necrosis depend on the location and extent of the necrosis. In tuberculosis, caseous necrosis is often found in the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, and kidneys. Symptoms may include chronic cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If the necrosis occurs in other organs, symptoms will vary according to the organ affected.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of caseous necrosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Imaging studies such as [[X-ray]]s and [[CT scan]]s can reveal the presence of granulomas. Laboratory tests, including sputum analysis and culture, can identify the presence of [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] or other pathogens. A definitive diagnosis may require a biopsy of the affected tissue, which will show the characteristic cheese-like appearance of the necrotic area under microscopic examination.
Diagnosis of caseous necrosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Imaging studies such as [[X-ray]]s and [[CT scan]]s can reveal the presence of granulomas. Laboratory tests, including sputum analysis and culture, can identify the presence of [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] or other pathogens. A definitive diagnosis may require a biopsy of the affected tissue, which will show the characteristic cheese-like appearance of the necrotic area under microscopic examination.
==Treatment==
==Treatment==
The treatment of caseous necrosis focuses on addressing the underlying infection or condition. In the case of tuberculosis, a long-term course of antibiotics is required to kill the bacteria. Treatment may also involve the surgical removal of necrotic tissue in severe cases. Management of other underlying conditions will vary according to the specific cause of the necrosis.
The treatment of caseous necrosis focuses on addressing the underlying infection or condition. In the case of tuberculosis, a long-term course of antibiotics is required to kill the bacteria. Treatment may also involve the surgical removal of necrotic tissue in severe cases. Management of other underlying conditions will vary according to the specific cause of the necrosis.
==Prognosis==
==Prognosis==
The prognosis for individuals with caseous necrosis depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the necrosis. With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for tuberculosis-related caseous necrosis is generally good. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications and even death.
The prognosis for individuals with caseous necrosis depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the necrosis. With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for tuberculosis-related caseous necrosis is generally good. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications and even death.
==Prevention==
==Prevention==
Prevention of caseous necrosis involves controlling the spread of infections that can cause this type of necrosis. Vaccination against tuberculosis with the [[BCG vaccine]] can reduce the risk of infection. Public health measures to control the spread of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases are also important.
Prevention of caseous necrosis involves controlling the spread of infections that can cause this type of necrosis. Vaccination against tuberculosis with the [[BCG vaccine]] can reduce the risk of infection. Public health measures to control the spread of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases are also important.
[[Category:Pathology]]
[[Category:Pathology]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Tuberculosis]]
[[Category:Tuberculosis]]
{{medicine-stub}}
{{medicine-stub}}
<gallery>
File:Tuberculous_lymph_node_with_caseating_granuloma_40X.jpg|Tuberculous lymph node with caseating granuloma
File:Tuberculosis_-_Sub-pleural_primary_(Ghon)_focus_(6596011395).jpg|Sub-pleural primary (Ghon) focus of tuberculosis
File:Renal_tuberculosis_(6539942987).jpg|Renal tuberculosis
</gallery>

Latest revision as of 00:07, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Caseous necrosis
Synonyms Caseation necrosis
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms N/A
Complications Cavitation (pathology), Fibrosis, Calcification
Onset
Duration
Types
Causes Tuberculosis, Histoplasmosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Syphilis
Risks
Diagnosis Histopathology
Differential diagnosis Liquefactive necrosis, Coagulative necrosis
Prevention
Treatment
Medication
Prognosis
Frequency
Deaths


Sub-pleural primary (Ghon) focus of tuberculosis
Renal tuberculosis

Caseous necrosis is a form of cell death in which the tissue maintains a cheese-like appearance. It is typically associated with tuberculosis infections and is characterized by the presence of caseating granulomas. The necrotic tissue appears as a soft and white proteinaceous dead cell mass. This type of necrosis is also seen in other conditions such as histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, and syphilis. The diagnosis of caseous necrosis is primarily made through histopathology, where the necrotic tissue can be observed under a microscope. It is important to differentiate it from other types of necrosis, such as liquefactive necrosis and coagulative necrosis. Complications of caseous necrosis can include cavitation (pathology), where the necrotic tissue forms cavities, as well as fibrosis and calcification of the affected tissue.Caseous necrosis is a distinctive form of cell death in which the tissue acquires a cheese-like appearance. The term "caseous" is derived from the Latin word "caseus," meaning cheese. This type of necrosis is most commonly associated with tuberculosis infections due to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, but it can also occur in other conditions. Caseous necrosis is characterized by the presence of a white, soft, and friable necrotic material at the site of infection or inflammation.

Etiology[edit]

Caseous necrosis is primarily caused by the body's immune response to the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. However, it can also be triggered by other types of bacterial or fungal infections. The immune response to these pathogens leads to the formation of granulomas, which are small areas of inflammation. Within these granulomas, the center may become necrotic, leading to the characteristic cheese-like appearance.

Pathophysiology[edit]

The pathophysiology of caseous necrosis involves the accumulation of lymphocytes, macrophages, and other immune cells around the infectious agent. These cells attempt to isolate and destroy the pathogen. During this process, a granuloma is formed, which consists of a central area of necrotic tissue surrounded by immune cells. The central necrotic area undergoes caseous necrosis due to the inability of the body's immune system to completely eradicate the pathogen. This results in the accumulation of dead cells and debris, giving the necrotic tissue its cheese-like appearance.

Clinical Features[edit]

The clinical features of caseous necrosis depend on the location and extent of the necrosis. In tuberculosis, caseous necrosis is often found in the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, bones, and kidneys. Symptoms may include chronic cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. If the necrosis occurs in other organs, symptoms will vary according to the organ affected.

Diagnosis[edit]

Diagnosis of caseous necrosis involves a combination of clinical assessment, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Imaging studies such as X-rays and CT scans can reveal the presence of granulomas. Laboratory tests, including sputum analysis and culture, can identify the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis or other pathogens. A definitive diagnosis may require a biopsy of the affected tissue, which will show the characteristic cheese-like appearance of the necrotic area under microscopic examination.

Treatment[edit]

The treatment of caseous necrosis focuses on addressing the underlying infection or condition. In the case of tuberculosis, a long-term course of antibiotics is required to kill the bacteria. Treatment may also involve the surgical removal of necrotic tissue in severe cases. Management of other underlying conditions will vary according to the specific cause of the necrosis.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with caseous necrosis depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the necrosis. With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for tuberculosis-related caseous necrosis is generally good. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to severe complications and even death.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention of caseous necrosis involves controlling the spread of infections that can cause this type of necrosis. Vaccination against tuberculosis with the BCG vaccine can reduce the risk of infection. Public health measures to control the spread of tuberculosis and other infectious diseases are also important.

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