Amyloidosis, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress in the Heart of an Alkaptonuric Patient
Figure 2
(a) SEM images of AKU aortic valve. (A) Ultrastructural features of typical filiform (arrow) Lambl’s excrescences and massive desquamation of superficial layers are reported. (B) Tissue fibers adjacent to calcium deposits interconnecting bundles of collagen and evident defects on the valve surface disrupting the endothelial cover are shown. Arrows indicate hydroxyapatite concretions. Circles highlight calcium deposits interconnecting bundles of fibrous tissue. (b) EDS spectra of pigmented area of AKU aortic valve. Table reports ochronotic pigment element composition.
