Schaumann body

Schaumann body is a type of inclusion body found in certain diseases, most notably sarcoidosis. These bodies are composed of protein and calcium and are often found within giant cells in the granulomas that characterize sarcoidosis.

Overview

Schaumann bodies were first described by the Swedish pathologist Johan Erik Olof Schaumann in 1912. They are typically found in the cytoplasm of macrophages and giant cells, and are thought to be a response to chronic inflammation.

Composition and Appearance

Schaumann bodies are composed of proteins and calcium. They are typically round or oval in shape, and can range in size from 2 to 20 micrometers in diameter. Under a microscope, they appear as dense, basophilic (blue-staining) bodies.

Clinical Significance

The presence of Schaumann bodies is a characteristic feature of sarcoidosis, a systemic inflammatory disease that often affects the lungs. However, they can also be found in other conditions, such as berylliosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and chronic beryllium disease.

While the exact role of Schaumann bodies in these diseases is not fully understood, they are thought to be a response to chronic inflammation. Some researchers believe that they may play a role in the body's immune response, helping to wall off and isolate areas of inflammation.

See Also

• Sarcoidosis
• Inclusion body
• Granuloma
• Giant cell
• Johan Erik Olof Schaumann

References

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