Aschersonian vesicles, also known as Schaumann bodies or Ascherson bodies, are microscopic structures that can be observed in the tissue samples of certain diseases, particularly sarcoidosis. These vesicles are named after Paul Friedrich Ascherson, a German pathologist who first described them in the late 19th century.
Aschersonian vesicles are round or oval-shaped formations that consist of calcium and other mineral deposits surrounded by a fibrous tissue capsule. They typically appear as small, concentrically layered structures within granulomas, which are abnormal tissue masses formed in response to inflammation. These granulomas are a characteristic feature of sarcoidosis and other sarcoid-like diseases.
The formation of Aschersonian vesicles is thought to result from the interaction of immune cells with organic and inorganic substances, such as foreign bodies or infectious agents, in diseased tissues. The calcium and minerals present in these substances become trapped and accumulate within the tissue, leading to the formation of the vesicles.
Although Aschersonian vesicles are most commonly found in sarcoidosis, they can also be observed in other granulomatous diseases, such as certain forms of tuberculosis and various fungal infections. The presence of these vesicles can aid in the diagnosis of such diseases, as their characteristic appearance may be identified during microscopic examination of tissue samples.
In summary, Aschersonian vesicles are microscopically visible structures consisting of calcium and mineral deposits surrounded by fibrous tissue, typically found within granulomas in diseases like sarcoidosis. Their presence can assist in diagnosing certain granulomatous conditions by providing a distinct histological feature.
