Respiratory Pathology · Pathology

Which of the following is characteristic of the morphology of 'Curschmann spirals' found in the sputum of asthmatic patients?

  1. Diamond-shaped crystals derived from eosinophil proteins
  2. Whorls of shed epithelium within mucus plugs
  3. Clusters of necrotic neutrophils
  4. Branching fungal hyphae
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Correct answer: Whorls of shed epithelium within mucus plugs

Curschmann spirals are microscopic findings in bronchial asthma consisting of mucus plugs containing whorls of shed epithelium. They are often accompanied by Charcot-Leyden crystals, which are derived from eosinophil breakdown.

Difficulty: Medium Question 3 of 20

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