Cardiac Pathology Services
The Cardiac Pathology Laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s provides expert interpretation of cardiac biopsies, whole-organ dissections, and autopsy specimens. Our team offers on-site diagnostics as well as consultation services for pathologists and clinicians managing a wide range of pediatric and congenital cardiac disorders.
We accept biopsy specimens, whole organs, and previously prepared slides from external hospitals and surgical facilities for interpretation, consultation, and second opinions. Our specialized approach ensures detailed pathological assessment, supporting the diagnosis and management of complex cardiovascular conditions.
Endomyocardial Biopsy Analysis
Endomyocardial biopsies are essential for diagnosing and monitoring a variety of cardiac conditions, including:
- Transplant rejection
- Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders
- Myocarditis
- Cardiomyopathies
- Tumors, post-surgical changes, and systemic conditions
Services Offered
- Routine histologic examination and immunohistochemical analysis (standard transplant panel: H&E, CD3, C4d, CD34/CD68 dual staining).
- Special studies, including additional histochemical and immunohistochemical tests, in situ hybridization, and T and B cell markers as indicated.
- Fresh biopsy samples include a glutaraldehyde-fixed portion in case electron microscopy (EM) is required.
Whole-Organ Heart Dissection
Whole-organ heart dissections aid in diagnosing congenital and acquired cardiac conditions, including:
- Congenital cardiac anatomy (native and post-surgical)
- Shunt malfunction, thrombi, or vascular abnormalities
- Cardiomyopathies and myocardial remodeling
- Cardiac tumors and valve disorders
- Device positioning and function evaluation
- Infectious myocarditis, vasculopathies, and allograft rejection
- Myocardial infarctions and conduction system disorders
Services Offered
- Expert dissection of fresh or formalin-fixed whole heart explants, autopsy hearts, and heart-lung-great vessel blocks.
- Detailed analysis of complex native anatomy, palliated anatomy, and postoperative changes.
- Routine histological examination of myocardium, vessels, valves, surgical shunts or conduits, device cannulas, epicardium, pericardium, great vessels, and pulmonary vasculature.
Special Studies
- Immunohistochemical staining for allograft rejection, myocarditis, and cardiac tumors.
- Viral PCR testing for suspected infectious myocarditis (requires fresh tissue).
- Electron microscopy (EM) available if a fresh specimen is provided with glutaraldehyde-fixed myocardium.
