Even today, electron microscopy is useful for pathological diagnosis
Recently, the use of electron microscopy as a pathological diagnostic technique has become extremely rare, except in renal biopsy and neuromuscular biopsy. However, we believe it can outperform any other examination method. We present two cases wherein ultrastructural observations supported the diagnosis to highlight the importance of electron microscopy. The first case was a patient diagnosed with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, with histological examination showing atypical glial cells and immunohistochemical examination suggesting JC viral infection. Electron microscopy revealed the viral particles. The second case was a case of toxoplasmosis. Histological examination showed severe necrosis and cellular infiltration, with microorganisms suggestive of Toxoplasma, and immunohistochemistry suggesting Toxoplasma infection. Electron microscopic examination confirmed the presence of Toxoplasma. In both cases, electron microscopy confirmed the diagnosis through direct observation of the pathogens. Although electron microscopy is a challenging diagnostic methodology, it is an important methodology that should be preserved, despite advances in medical technology.
