13. Brain, Cortical Laminar Necrosis - Gross
On the right side of this image, the cortical thickness and color are
fairly normal. On the left side, however, the cortex is thinned and
discolored. This is usually the result of global hypoxic/ischemic
damage, although, ironically, the entire cerebral cortex is only
rarely diffusely affected. In a focal infarct, however, the pattern
of damage corresponds to a particular vascular supply, either that of
a major cerebral vessel, or one of its branches. The process of
organization following necrosis is the same, however, with acutely
necrotic neurons appearing first, followed by organization of the
infarct, ultimately resulting in cavitation. Do you think the
necrosis in this image is acute, organizing, or remote? Why?
Answer
