Hemodynamic disorders · USMLE Step 1

Which of these features are characteristic of a fresh thrombus (as opposed to a postmortem clot) on gross or microscopic examination?

  1. Uniform red colour with no attachment to the vessel wall
  2. Alternating pale and dark laminations (Lines of Zahn)
  3. Soft yellow gelatinous 'chicken-fat' consistency
  4. Black, dry, friable material loosely adhering
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Correct answer: Alternating pale and dark laminations (Lines of Zahn)

A true thrombus often shows Lines of Zahn — alternating layers of platelets/fibrin (pale) and red blood cells (dark) — indicating formation in flowing blood.

Difficulty: Medium Question 5 of 19

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