April, 2008

Case 225
An 8-year-old child was taken to a hospital with fever, hepatomegaly, and persistent cough. The parents told the physician that the child commonly eats dirt, even though they have tried to discourage the habit. A series of tests were conducted, including a liver biopsy.  A section made from the biopsy was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E).  The following images show what was observed in the specimen.  Figures A, B, and C were taken at 200x magnification; Figure D was taken at 1000x oil magnification.  The structures shown in Figure D were approximately 57 micrometers long by 32 micrometers wide.  What is your diagnosis?  Based on what criteria?
 

A	B

C	D

Click here for the answer to Case 225.

Case 226
A 32-year-old Latin American man sought medical attention for persistent fever and cough.  A sputum specimen was collected for testing.  Smears were prepared and stained with Giemsa.  The images in Figures A and B show forms that were observed in very low numbers on the smears.  Figures A and B were captured at 200x and 1000x oil magnification, respectively.  The object measured approximately 490 micrometers in length.  What is your diagnosis?  Based on what criteria?

A	B

Click here for the answer to Case 226.

Images presented in the monthly case studies are from specimens submitted for diagnosis or archiving.  On rare occasions, clinical histories given may be partly fictitious.