Brown atrophy of the heart

Brown atrophy of the heart is atrophy of the heart muscle (or myocardium) commonly found in the elderly.[1][2] It is described as brown because fibers become pigmented by intracellular deposits (mostly around the cell nucleus) of lipofuscin,[1] a type of lipochrome granule.

It has no known effect on function,[1][2] and is described as being expected or normal in aging.[2]

Other types of brown atrophy include brown atrophy of neuronia and brown atrophy of the liver.

See also

Atrophy (relating to all tissues, see Muscle atrophy for atrophy in muscle tissue).
Xanthosis

References

Roffe, C (Jun 1998). "Ageing of the heart. [review]". British Journal of Biomedical Science. 55 (2): 136–148. PMID 10198472.
Waller, B F (Aug 1988). "The old-age heart: normal aging changes which can produce or mimic cardiac disease. [review]". Clinical Cardiology. 11 (8): 513–517. doi:10.1002/clc.4960110802. PMID 3048829.

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