An autopsy case of idiopathic superficial hemosiderosis of the central nervous system: a microscopic and immunohistochemical study.

The brain of a patient with idiopathic superficial hemosiderosis of the central nervous system was examined by light and electron microscopy. A histopathological study revealed massive, symmetrically situated necrosis in the temporal and insular lobes, which has not been described in previous reports. In addition, immunohistochemistry revealed ovoid bodies in the astroglia. Electron microscopy showed that these bodies were composed of fine granules, 50-60 A in diameter, and electron-dense amorphous material. Based on detailed histopathological and ultrastructural findings, the mechanism of ovoid body formation is discussed.