Utility of Direct Fast Scarlet Staining in the Histopathological Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Short Report

Abstract

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an atopic disease of the esophagus, has become increasingly recognized over the last 15 years. The epidemiology of EoE has now been reported from many countries around the world. While the clinical diagnosis of this disease depends on the patient’s clinical manifestations, the final diagnosis should be made based on the histopathological examination of esophageal mucosal biopsies. In the diagnosis of EoE, to facilitate the appropriate treatment of patients, it is extremely important to precisely recognize the presence of eosinophils in biopsy specimens of the esophageal mucosa. If eosinophils are present, EoE patients should be referred to an allergist for appropriate management with dietary modification, pharmacological agents (including corticosteroids), and/or mechanical dilation of the esophagus. We herein present and recommend the use of direct fast scarlet staining for the easy and precise recognition of eosinophils in biopsy specimens of the esophageal mucosa, a technique that has been routinely used in our laboratory.

Peritubular and Perivascular Amyloid Deposits in Amyloid Nephropathy

“…A renal biopsy showed direct-fast-scarlet (DFS)-positive deposits around the renal tubules ( Picture 1 , arrows), blood vessels, and vascular poles ( Picture 2 , closed arrow), but no deposits were found in the glomeruli ( Picture 2 , open arrows). DFS, similar to congo red staining, is commonly used for staining amyloid deposits in tissues ( 1 ). The DFS-positive deposits, which look similar to positively stained amyloid A proteins in amyloid tissue ( Picture 3 ), were mainly observed in the medulla tubules.…”