Lines of Zahn

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Lines of Zahn are a characteristic of thrombi that appear when formed in the heart or aorta. They have visible and microscopic laminations produced by alternating pale layers of platelets mixed with fibrin and darker layer containing red blood cells. Their presence implies thrombosis at a site of rapid blood flow. In veins or smaller arteries, where flow is not as constant, they are less apparent. They are named after German pathologist Friedrich Wilhelm Zahn (1845-1904).

[edit] References

Kumar, V. et al. (2005). Hemodynamic Disorders, Thromboembolic Disease, and Shock. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 7th edition. Elsevier Saunders: Pennsylvania .