[Histonet] oxalate crystals

[Stephen Peters M.D.]

Calcium oxylate crystals are a common finding in tissues which most experienced pathologists will recognize on H & E. As Paul Bradbury suggests they will polarize brightly. On H & E the have a slight browinsh cast and will show radial striations when polarized. If you are looking at ethylene glycol ( antifreeze)  poisoning they will be very numerous in tubular lumina. If you want a control they are very common in normal and diseased thyroid, in inceasing frequency with age. More than half of patients over 60 will have many of them. Try polarizing a piece of thyroid if you want to see them.  



Stephen Peters M.D.
Pathology Innovations, LLC
410 Old Mill Lane,
Wyckoff, NJ 07481
201 847 7600

Attending Pathologist
Hackensack University Medical Center
201 996 4836