Pannus
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(′pan·əs)
(medicine) Vascularization accompanied by deposition of connective tissue beneath the cornal epithelium. Overgrowth of connective tissue on the articular surface of a diarthrodial joint.
(meteorology) Numerous cloud shreds below the main cloud; may constitute a layer separated from the main part of the cloud or attached to it.
1. The growth of vascular tissue in the cornea of the eye, which may occur after inflammation of the cornea; it impairs vision.
2. Extension of thickened synovial membrane onto the cartilage of a joint surface.
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(păn'əs)
n., pl. pan·ni (păn'ī).
n., pl. pan·ni (păn'ī).
- A membrane of granulation tissue covering the normal surface of the articular cartilages in rheumatoid arthritis.
- A membrane of granulation tissue covering the normal surface of the cornea in trachoma.
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1. superficial vascularization of the cornea with infiltration of granulation tissue.
2. an inflammatory exudate overlying synovial cells on the inside of a joint capsule, usually occurring in rheumatoid arthritis or related articular rheumatism.
3. panniculus adiposus.
- degenerative p. — see chronic superficial keratitis.
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Pannus
For the eye disease in dogs, see Chronic superficial keratitis.
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This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (June 2007) |
Pannus is a medical term for an abnormal layer of fibrovascular tissue or granulation tissue. Common sites for pannus formation include over the cornea, over a joint surface (as seen in rheumatoid arthritis), or on a prosthetic heart valve. Pannus may grow in a tumor-like fashion, as in joints where it may erode articular cartilage and bone.
The term pannus is often used incorrectly to refer to a panniculus (a hanging flap of tissue), though pannus can also refer to panniculus adiposus.
Pannus in rheumatoid arthritis
In people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, pannus tissue eventually forms in the joint affected by the disease, causing loss of bone and cartilage. From Autoimmunity and Disease by Harley Y. Tse and Michail K. Shaw:
| “ | Chronic stages of the disease typically coincide with the formation of a structure known as a pannus. A pannus is a membrane of granulation tissue composed of mesenchyme- and bone marrow-derived cells. Formation of the pannus stimulates the release of IL-1, platelet-derived growth factor, prostaglandins, and substance P by macrophages, which ultimately cause cartilage destruction and bone erosion. | ” |
Pannus in ophthalmology
In ophthalmology, pannus refers to the growth of blood vessels into the peripheral cornea. In normal individuals, the cornea is avascular. Chronic local hypoxia (such as that occurring with overuse of contact lenses) or inflammation may lead to peripheral corneal vascularization, or pannus. Pannus may also develop in diseases of the corneal stem cells, such as aniridia. It is often solved by peritomy.
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