VB
Vikas Bhardwaj
Medical Technologist, AIIMS New Delhi
Updated: Apr 17, 2026
**Core Concept**
Infarction is a condition characterized by the necrosis of tissue due to a lack of blood supply, often resulting from obstruction of blood vessels. This can occur in various organs, including the heart, brain, and kidneys.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The description of a focal, wedge-shaped firm area with extensive hemorrhage and a red appearance is typical of an infarct. This is because the ischemic tissue undergoes coagulative necrosis, leading to a firm, wedge-shaped lesion. The hemorrhage is a result of the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier or other vascular structures. The base of the lesion on the surface of the organ indicates the area of vascular obstruction.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This would typically be seen in abscess formation, which is characterized by a collection of pus, often with a well-defined capsule and surrounding inflammation.
* **Option B:** Hemorrhagic infarction is a possibility, but it is less common and typically occurs in the setting of reperfusion injury.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect as it is not a characteristic feature of the described lesion.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When evaluating an organ at autopsy, it is essential to consider the vascular supply and potential areas of obstruction to determine the cause of tissue necrosis.
**Correct Answer: A. Infarct.