Neuromuscular Pathology

We process and perform full diagnostic analysis of skeletal muscle and peripheral nerve specimens from adult and pediatric patients at this facility. We routinely accept and process specimens from the OHSU hospitals, other institutions and clinics in Oregon and from other states as express-mailed fresh tissue samples, and/or fixed samples for paraffin embedding and electron microscopy. Common diagnostic inquiries include inflammatory myopathies (polymyositis, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis), various dystrophies, metabolic myopathies (mitochondrial myopathy, acid maltase, myophosphorylase deficiency, and others), drug-induced myopathy (statin myopathy and others), motor neuron diseases and vasculitis.

We also perform analyses of skin biopsies for small fiber neuropathy.

For a complete and accurate evaluation of neuromuscular diseases, appropriately prepared and shipped fresh samples are critical. For handling fresh muscle and nerve biopsy specimens and shipping instructions please refer to our Protocols for Muscle and Nerve Biopsies.

Oncologic Neuropathology

OHSU Neuropathology Division provides comprehensive diagnostic assessment of central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and pituitary neoplasms with state-of-the-art histological, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural methods. In addition, we utilize an expanding array of molecular probes on individual cases, in collaboration with the Clinical Cytogenetics Laboratory and the Knight Diagnostic Laboratory.

Besides the tissue diagnosis of CNS lesions, OHSU neuropathologists are actively involved in the care of CNS Tumor patients via participation in adult and pediatric Neuro-oncology tumor boards within the institution and as consultants for outside cases. Our diagnostic tools constantly evolve with the demands of modern CNS tumor therapy. We are involved in the development of new tumor tissue-based assays that guide the selection of therapy with the feedback we get from our clinical colleagues.

How To Request A Consultation

Please submit this requisition form with your consultation request. Please include a complete clinical history.

Consultation requests may be submitted to:

OHSU Department of Pathology
Mail code L471
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd
Portland, OR 97239

For additional information, please contact Surgical Pathology at 503-494-6776.