Pick bodies
Pathological protein inclusions characteristic of frontotemporal dementia and Pick disease.
Full Definition
Pick bodies are spherical, silver-staining intraneuronal inclusions composed primarily of hyperphosphorylated tau protein. These pathological structures are characteristic findings in Pick disease, a specific subtype of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Pick bodies are typically found in neurons of the frontal and temporal cortices, particularly in pyramidal cells. They represent one of several tau pathologies that can occur in FTD spectrum disorders. The presence of Pick bodies helps distinguish Pick disease from other neurodegenerative conditions and is important for accurate neuropathological diagnosis, though clinical presentation often overlaps with other FTD variants.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize 'Pick' as it refers to Arnold Pick, the neurologist who described them.
In Context
- "Neuropathological examination revealed numerous Pick bodies in frontal cortex neurons." — Autopsy report
- "The presence of Pick bodies confirmed the diagnosis of Pick disease variant FTD." — Pathology consultation