Abstract
PAS staining of small intestinal mucosa in MVA demonstrates cytoplasmic PAS staining in the epithelium. Scanning photometry was applied to this abnormality in order to determine objectively: 1) its extent and specificity, 2) its origin on the crypt/villus axis, and 3) any variability within the disease. Small bowel was studied from histologically normal (n=4) and abnormal (n=5) controls and from patients with MVA (n=8). Each was divided into low, mid, and upper mucosal regions in which 5 epithelial cells were scanned photometrically (520nm filter) under computer control for PAS stain and the results meaned. All controls showed only a brush border peak of PAS stain in all 3 regions. 5 cases of congenital MVA showed only a brush border peak in the low crypt region, mainly cytoplasmic staining with a brush border peak in the upper crypt region, and cytoplasmic staining alone in surface/villous cells. 2 patients with late onset MVA showed relatively reduced cytoplasmic staining in upper crypt cells plus a brush border peak in the surface/villous region. 1 child with congenital MVA showed only cytoplasmic staining in crypt epithelium and a variable, but more normal, appearance in villous cells.
Thus the PAS abnormality in MVA appears specific but is incomplete, and 3 patterns and 2 sites of origin can be defined.
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Phillips, A., Milla, P., Nazer, H. et al. 56 SCANNING PHOTOMETRY IN MICROVILLOUS ATROPHY (MVA): THREE DIFFERENT AND INCOMPLETE PERIODIC ACID SCHIFF (PAS) STAINING ABNORMALITIES. Pediatr Res 24, 414 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198809000-00079
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198809000-00079