caseous necrosis

A form of coagulation necrosis most frequently seen in foci of tuberculosis infection. The term 'caseous' is derived from its appearance in gross sections (cheesy & white). Histologically, the necrotic focus appears as amorphous granular debris composed of fragmented, coagulated cells enclosed in an inflammatory border (granulomatous reaction). Caseous necrosis is evoked by a limited number of agents; tuberculosis is the most common.

References

Cotran et al Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease, 5th ed. W.B. Saunders Co, Philadelphia, PA 1994 pg 15-16