Which of the following organs does not show pale infarct?
**Core Concept**
Pale infarcts occur due to the lack of blood flow to a specific organ or tissue, resulting in coagulative necrosis. This type of necrosis is characterized by the preservation of the cell's basic outline and architecture, giving the affected area a pale appearance.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Pale infarcts typically occur in solid organs with a rich blood supply, such as the heart, liver, and kidneys. These organs have a large mass of parenchymal cells that are sensitive to ischemia, leading to coagulative necrosis. In contrast, organs with a smaller mass of parenchymal cells or those that do not have a rich blood supply may not show pale infarcts.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Some organs like the heart, liver, and kidneys are known to show pale infarcts, so this option is incorrect.
**Option B:** The spleen can show pale infarcts due to its rich blood supply and large mass of parenchymal cells, making this option incorrect.
**Option C:** The pancreas can also show pale infarcts, especially in the context of pancreatic necrosis, so this option is incorrect.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Pale infarcts are often associated with a good prognosis, as they indicate that the affected organ has a rich blood supply and may still recover from the ischemic insult.
**Correct Answer:** D.