Brown atrophy of the heart is atrophy of the heart muscle (or myocardium) commonly found in the elderly.[1][2] It is described as brown because fibers become pigmented by intracellular deposits (mostly around the cell nucleus) of lipofuscin,[1] a type of lipochrome granule.
It has no known effect on function,[1][2] and is described as being expected or normal in aging.[2]
See also
edit- Atrophy (relating to all tissues, see Muscle atrophy for atrophy in muscle tissue).
- Xanthosis
References
edit- ^ a b c Roffe, C (Jun 1998). "Ageing of the heart. [review]". British Journal of Biomedical Science. 55 (2): 136–148. PMID 10198472.
- ^ a b c Waller, B F (Aug 1988). "The old-age heart: normal aging changes which can produce or mimic cardiac disease. [review]". Clinical Cardiology. 11 (8): 513–517. doi:10.1002/clc.4960110802. PMID 3048829.
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