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Human choroidal nevi histopathology revisited
Author(s) -
Madigan M.c.,
Vader M.,
Ton H.,
Velden P.,
Jager M.J.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
acta ophthalmologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.534
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1755-3768
pISSN - 1755-375X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-3768.2015.0507
Subject(s) - choroid , histopathology , pathology , drusen , medicine , melanoma , h&e stain , nevus , superficial spreading melanoma , cd68 , immunohistochemistry , anatomy , macular degeneration , ophthalmology , retina , biology , cancer research , neuroscience
Purpose Choroidal nevi are relatively common lesions seen in normally asymptomatic eyes. They show low potential for progression to melanoma but may produce visual effects depending on location. We investigated vasculature and macrophages in pigmented choroidal nevi using histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Methods 340 fixed post mortem adult human eyes with no history of choroidal melanoma were examined. Paraffin sections of eyes were subsequently cut, stained with hematoxylin & eosin or Periodic acid Schiff reagent and histopathology examined. We assessed localisation and distribution of macrophages immunolabelled with CD 163 or CD 68 antibodies. Results Thirteen eyes (aged 54–90 years) with 16 pigmented lesions were found. Of these, 15/16 lesions occurred within the posterior pole region. H&E and PAS staining confirmed pigmented choroidal nevi, with a diameter of 1.5–6.8 mm, and thickness <1.5 mm. Lesions were located at varying depths within the choroid, comprised of densely pigmented nevi cells, and with a predominantly oval or dome shape (15/16). Overlying drusen were observed for 8/16 nevi. Large choroidal vessels bordered 11/16 nevi, and normal vessels were seen within nevi, however no microvascular patterns typically associated with melanoma were observed. Larger nevi located just beneath Bruch's membrane were more often associated with choriocapillaris ( CC ) thinning and RPE disruption. Nevus cells were seen within the CC pillars, abutting Bruch's membrane. Compared to surrounding choroid, numerous CD 163+ and CD 68+ macrophages ( CD 163+ > CD 68+) were localised within and around nevi, often associated with vessels. Conclusions These findings indicate that choroidal nevi can affect normal choroidal vessels including CC integrity. Nevi also share some histopathological characteristics with melanoma, including infiltrating macrophages.