Sunday, October 10, 2010

Case of the Week 134

The following were an incidental finding at autopsy. Shown are hematoxylin and eosin stained sections of human tongue. (CLICK ON IMAGES TO ENLARGE)

100x original magnification


200x original magnification


200x original magnification

Diagnosis?

What is the most common source of infection worldwide? What about in the United States?

3 comments:

Malassezia said...

Looks like trichinellosis from the encysted larvae. The site (tongue), too, is pretty classic.

Trichinella spiralis is the most common species worldwide. I know in Canada we tend to worry more T. nativa because of the Arctic; not sure about the continental USA (though I guess Alaska would have T. nativa as well!).

Anonymous said...

Trichinella spiralis
In the world: pork
In the US: poorly cooked bear meat.
(this is a guess)
BW in Vt

Salbrent said...

Trichinella spiralis or species.
T spiralis is found worldwide but there are several other species.
I am not experienced with internal structures seen the cross section except the round structures appear to be stichosomes. Usually I have seen only encapsulated larvae in other e-cases. Consumption of raw and undercooked infected meat esp pork is a risk factor