Question

Lardaceous spleen is seen due to deposition of amyloid in

• A. Sinusoids of red pulp
• B. White pulp
• C. Penicillary artery
• D. Splenic trabeculae

Hint:

Lardaceous spleen means amyloid in the red pulp sinusoids; sago spleen means amyloid in white pulp follicles.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

This question is about the two named patterns of amyloid deposit in the spleen, sago spleen and lardaceous spleen, and where each one sits.

1. Sinusoids of red pulp: In lardaceous spleen, amyloid lines the walls of the red pulp sinusoids and the connective tissue around them. As more amyloid builds up, these deposits merge into broad sheets, giving the cut spleen a firm, pale, waxy look similar to lard. This is exactly the lardaceous pattern the question asks about.
2. White pulp: Amyloid limited to the white pulp follicles produces small, firm, granular deposits that look like sago grains under the microscope, this pattern is called sago spleen, a different pattern from lardaceous spleen.
3. Penicillary artery: These are small terminal arterioles of the splenic red pulp, they are not the classic site named in either the sago or lardaceous pattern of splenic amyloid.
4. Splenic trabeculae: The trabeculae are the fibrous supporting bands of the spleen, they are not where amyloid deposits accumulate to form either sago or lardaceous spleen.

Since lardaceous spleen is specifically defined by amyloid in the red pulp sinusoids and framework, the correct site is the sinusoids of the red pulp.

Let's summarize:

• Amyloid confined to white pulp follicles gives sago spleen.
• Amyloid in red pulp sinusoids and framework, fusing into sheets, gives lardaceous spleen.
• Penicillary arteries and trabeculae are not the defining sites for either pattern.

So the answer is sinusoids of the red pulp.