Learning from eponyms: Jose Verocay and Verocay bodies, Antoni A and B areas, Nils Antoni and Schwannomas

Abstract

Schwannomas are benign peripheral nerve sheath neoplasms composed almost entirely of Schwann cells and are diagnosed histopathologically by the presence of singular architectural patterns called Antoni A and Antoni B areas. These were described first in 1920 by the Swedish neurologist Nils Antoni. The Antoni A tissue is highly cellular and made up of palisades of Schwann cell nuclei, a pattern first described in 1910 by the Uruguayan neuro-pathologist Jose Verocay and are known as Verocay bodies. This article describes the structure and appearance of Verocay bodies and Antoni A and B areas with a brief biographical introduction of the men who described these patterns.

Keywords: Antoni A and B areas; Jose Verocay; Nils Antoni; Schwannoma; Verocay bodies.

Figure 1

Photograph of Jose Juan Verocay (circa 1915)

Figure 2

Stamp issued by Uruguay featuring Dr. Jose Verocay in 1998

Figure 3

Diagramatic representation of verocay body

Figure 4

Verocay body showing horizontal rows of palisaded nuclei separated by areas of acellular pink basement membrane like material. (H and E, ×400)

Figure 5

Antoni A area with cellular appearance with several rows of palisaded nuclei. (H and E, ×100)

Figure 6

Verocay body with prominent basement material separating the rows of nuclei adjacent to which is seen the pale myxoid Antoni B area. (H and E, ×400)

Figure 7

Antoni B area with pale mucinous stroma which has few cells, scattered wispy collagen and mast cells. (H and E, ×400)

Figure 8

Transitional zone between cellular Antoni A area on left with less cellular and microcytic preAntoni B area on right. (H and E, ×200)