Integumentary System

Skin - Hemorrhage

Narrative
Comment:
Hemorrhage in the skin is characterized by clusters of extravascular erythrocytes (Figure 1). In toxicity and carcinogenicity studies, most spontaneously occurring hemorrhage in the skin is caused by vascular damage due to trauma secondary to fighting (when animals are housed together) or contact with rough edges of equipment. Hemorrhage also occurs as a component of test-article–related skin irritation or damage, often accompanying other lesions such as inflammation, necrosis, and ulceration. Hemorrhage may also be associated with proliferative vascular lesions, such as angiectasis or neoplasia.
Recommendations:
In cases where hemorrhage is associated with a proliferative vascular lesion, it should not be recorded. If the hemorrhage is associated with another lesion, such as inflammation or ulceration, it need not be recorded unless the severity of the hemorrhage is excessive or is not commensurate with the severity of the associated lesions. However, it should be described in the pathology narrative. Whenever it is recorded, hemorrhage should be assigned a severity grade.
References:

Elwell MR, Stedman MA, Kovatch RM. 1990. Skin and subcutis. In: Pathology of the Fischer Rat: Reference and Atlas (Boorman GA, Eustis SL, Elwell MR, Montgomery CA, MacKenzie WF, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 261-277.

Abstract: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog/9002563

Klein-Szanto AJP, Conti CJ. 2002. Skin and oral mucosa. In: Handbook of Toxicologic Pathology, 2nd ed (Haschek WM, Rousseaux CG, Wallig MA, eds). Academic Press, San Diego, 2:85-116.

Abstract: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/book/9780123302151

Peckham JC, Heider K. 1999. Skin and subcutis. In: Pathology of the Mouse: Reference and Atlas (Maronpot RR, Boorman GA, Gaul BW, eds). Cache River Press, Vienna, IL, 555-612.

Abstract: http://www.cacheriverpress.com/books/pathmouse.htm
  • Image of hemorrhage in the skin from a male F344/N rat in a subchronic study

    Hemorrhage-extravascular erythrocytes within the dermis (arrows) in a male F344/N rat from a subchronic study.

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Hemorrhage-extravascular erythrocytes within the dermis (arrows) in a male F344/N rat from a subchronic study.
Hemorrhage-extravascular erythrocytes within the dermis (arrows) in a male F344/N rat from a subchronic study.

Authors

Molly H. Boyle, DVM, MPH, DACVP
Toxicologic Pathologist
Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc.
Research Triangle Park, NC

Georgette D. Hill, D.V.M., Ph.D.
Toxicologic Pathologist
Assistant Pathology Program Manager
Integrated Laboratory Systems, Inc. Research Triangle Park, NC

Reviewers

Michael R. Elwell, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Anatomic Pathologist
Covance Laboratories, Inc.
Washington, D.C.

David E. Malarkey DVM, PhD, DACVP, FIATP
Head, National Toxicology Program Pathology Group
Cellular and Molecular Pathology Branch
Division of the National Toxicology Program
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Research Triangle Park, NC