Endocrine System

Parathyroid Gland - Angiectasis

Narrative
Comment:
Dilation of vascular spaces may be seen in the parathyroid of mice and rats, although it is rare. The dilated vascular spaces are disseminated throughout the gland and represent preexisting vascular channels lined by flattened endothelial cells. In Figure 1, the dilated vascular channels are filled with erythrocytes. In contrast to hemangiomas, angiectatic lesions do not represent proliferation of new vascular structures. Hemangiomas are usually more circumscribed, with proliferation of new vascular channels on a delicate fibrous stroma.
Recommendations:
Parathyroid angiectasis should be diagnosed and given a severity grade. If the severity is marked, the pathology narrative should discuss its distinction from hemangioma. If both parathyroids are involved, the term “bilateral” should be included in the diagnosis and the severity grade based on the more severely affected gland. Since angiomatous lesions may be multisite and systemic, the pathology narrative should address any relationship that this parathyroid lesion might have to similar changes in other tissues.
References:

Hardisty JF, Boorman GA. 1990. Thyroid gland. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat: Reference and Atlas (Boorman GA, Eustis SL, Elwell MR, Montgomery CA, MacKenzie WF, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 519-536.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/9002563

Seely JC, Hildebrandt PK.. 1990. Parathyroid gland. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat: Reference and Atlas (Boorman GA, Eustis SL, Elwell MR, Montgomery CA, MacKenzie WF, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 537-543.

Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/9002563
  • Image of angiectasis in the parathyroid gland from a male BALB/c mouse in a subchronic study

    Parathyroid Gland - Angiectasis in a male BALB/c mouse from a subchronic study. Multiple dilated vascular structures filled with erythrocytes are present in the parathyroid.

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<p>Parathyroid Gland - Angiectasis in a male BALB/c mouse from a subchronic study. Multiple dilated vascular structures filled with erythrocytes are present in the parathyroid.</p>

Parathyroid Gland - Angiectasis in a male BALB/c mouse from a subchronic study. Multiple dilated vascular structures filled with erythrocytes are present in the parathyroid.
<p>Parathyroid Gland - Angiectasis in a male BALB/c mouse from a subchronic study. This higher magnification of Figure 1 shows moderately and markedly dilated vascular spaces filled with erythrocytes.</p>

Parathyroid Gland - Angiectasis in a male BALB/c mouse from a subchronic study. This higher magnification of Figure 1 shows moderately and markedly dilated vascular spaces filled with erythrocytes.

Authors

Robert R. Maronpot, DVM, MS, MPH, DACVP, DABT, FIATP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Georgette D. Hill, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Toxicologic Pathologist/Assistant Pathology Program Manager
Comparative Molecular Pathology Division
Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Thomas J. Rosol, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Professor of Veterinary Biosciences
Senior Advisor, Life Sciences, Technology Commercialization and Knowledge Transfer
The Ohio State University
Columbus, OH

Amy Brix, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Senior Pathologist
Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC