This week's case was donated by Drs. Jacob Rattin and Akeesha Shah. The patient is an elderly male with a history of bladder cancer, status post cystectomy, who was undergoing screening urine cytology. The specimen was collected from a urostomy bag from an ileal conduit. The following forms were seen on the Thin Prep specimen. They measure 50 to >120 micrometers long. What is your diagnosis?
With the size great variation, my impression is that the objects are not parasitic in origin. I will try more research but for now that’s my guess.
ReplyDeleteFlorida Fan
Looks like “an egg” but I can’t think of it being parasitic. Interesting case.
ReplyDeleteSince the patient urine has to be eliminated through an ileum conduit, it could very likely contain food origin elements. Though I can’t identify the objects with certainty, my thoughts gravitate towards mushroom spores.
ReplyDeleteFlorida Fan
Intriguing case! I agree with Florida Fan - size variations do indicate this to be non-parasitic. Also my thoughts lean towards fungal spores.
ReplyDeleteToo big to be a urothelial cell. I would say the object is neither a parasite or of human origin. Maybe a plant structure?
ReplyDeleteI like for a veggie seed.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't look like a parasite to me. /Patrik
ReplyDelete