The modern approach to the histopathological diagnosis of muscle diseases

Muscle biopsy is an essential tool in diagnosis of neuromuscular disorders. It can be used for histochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical tests as well as for genetic studies. Immunohistochemistry has a central role in the evaluation of muscle biopsies and pathological diagnosis of muscular disorders. In order to complement diagnostic procedures obtained by immunohistochemistry with molecular methods, muscle biopsy may be used as a source for RNA and protein isolation. A practical method for the interpretation of muscle biopsies, following so-called algorithm “inside out approach”, involves certain order of procedures in analysis of muscle fibres, muscle connective tissue and blood vessels. Multidisciplinary approach encompassing a variety of techniques is required in order to successfully complete diagnosis of muscular disorders as the most important information for patients and their families. Correspondence/Reprint request: Dr. Milenkovic M. Sanja, Department of Clinical Pathology, Clinical Hospital Center Zemun, Belgrade, Serbia. E-mail: [email protected] Milenkovic M. Sanja et al. 156