Neuromuscular Pathology

About the Service

The UC San Diego Neuropathology division offers evaluation of muscle and nerve biopsies for the diagnosis of neuromuscular diseases, including inflammatory myopathies, muscular dystrophies, and other disorders. Standard muscle biopsy work-up includes evaluation of fixed and frozen tissue with immunohistochemical and histochemical stains, as well as routine electron microscopy. Proper interpretation of these biopsies involves precise clinical correlation, and our neuropathologists work closely with neurologists, rheumatologists, and neuromuscular specialist.

The neuromuscular pathology service welcomes outside consultations. Please refer to the specific sending requirements prior to specimen submission.

Specimen Requirements

For full details, please see Muscle and Nerve biopsy specimen requirements.

Muscle Biopsy

Ideally, at least 1 cm³ of muscle tissue should be submitted, fresh, wrapped in gauze slightly moistened with normal saline. Place the muscle in a dry specimen container on regular ice and deliver immediately to the Pathology Lab.

Nerve biopsy

Send the nerve wrapped in saline moistened gauze. Do not cut, stretch, or tie sutures around the portion of nerve to be examined.

Neuromuscular Pathology Faculty

• Vanessa Goodwill, M.D.
• Denise Malicki, M.D., Ph.D.
• Henry Powell, M.D., D.Sc.
• Nigel Calcutt, Ph.D. (Research)
• Diane Shelton, D.V.M., Ph.D. (Research)