Human pathology

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lipid-laden macrophages

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Foamy macrophages in renal tubules Lipophages in alveolar lavage
spumous macrophages, foamy macrophages, foam cells

Definition: Macrophages that are laden with lipid (predominantly cholesterol), and that have differentiated from circulating monocytes.

Etiology (Exemples)

- xanthomatous tumors
- histiocytoses

- inherited metabolic diseases

Localization

- renal foamy macrophages

- medullary foamy macrophages