A 78-year-old man dies of advanced esophageal cancer. The man's family donates his body for teaching purposes and an autopsy is performed. Gross examination of the heart reveals left ventricular chamber size and wall thickness within normal limits. No significant atherosclerosis is seen in the coronary arteries. On microscopic examination, myocardial cells demonstrate prominent yellow-brown intracytoplasmic granules as shown in the exhibit. Which of the following most likely accounts for the observed microscopic changes?

Question

A 78-year-old man dies of advanced esophageal cancer.  The man's family donates his body for teaching purposes and an autopsy is performed.  Gross examination of the heart reveals left ventricular chamber size and wall thickness within normal limits.  No significant atherosclerosis is seen in the coronary arteries.  On microscopic examination, myocardial cells demonstrate prominent yellow-brown intracytoplasmic granules as shown in the exhibit.   Which of the following most likely accounts for the observed microscopic changes?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Lipofuscin is a yellow-brown color made up of lipid polymer and protein-complex phospholipid lysosomal breakdown products. It is regarded as a wear-and-tear product and a hallmark of aging since it accumulates over time, and residual bodies containing lipofuscin are common in the elderly's low-turnover cells (e.g., heart, liver, and central nervous system).

A 78-Year-Old Man Dies of Advanced Esophageal Cancer