Embolic infarction of brain parenchyma can be recognized by H&E, although at times it can be hard to distinguish from autolytic change. The key is embolic infarction is a focal change, whereas autolytic change is global and diffuse. Therefore an embolic infarct has an interface between the affected tissue and surrounding viable normal tissue. Immunohistochemical stains may not be very helpful in this regard.
Embolic infarction of brain parenchyma can be recognized by H&E, although at times it can be hard to distinguish from autolytic change. The key is embolic infarction is a focal change, whereas autolytic change is global and diffuse. Therefore an embolic infarct has an interface between the affected tissue and surrounding viable normal tissue. Immunohistochemical stains may not be very helpful in this regard.