Anatomic lesions

CLINICAL NUTRITION

Lesson 2: Protein calorie malnutrition

Anatomic lesion

Following functional changes, anatomic lesions become manifest. At first, they are “subgross”, that is, microscopic in nature. Hence, early investigation of tissues readily available for examination with the bio-microscope such as the conjunctiva, the cornea, the tongue is entirely reasonable. Since these tissues are known eventually to develop gross lesions as a result of tissue depletion.

• The conjuctiva develop Bitot’s spots in advanced vitamin ‘A’ deficiency.
  
  
• The cornea may develop increased and nutritional and abnormal vascularity in riboflavin deficiency.
  
  
• The tongue shows glossitis in several vitamin ‘B’ deficiency diseases.

Progression of subgross lesions leads to gross manifestation becoming evident. These are described collectively as the clinical signs.