Case #267 - January, 2010
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A 13-year-old patient went to the doctor for abdominal pain and discomfort. Although there was no acute appendicitis, a small biopsy of the lumen of the appendix was performed to identify possible etiologies. The specimen was sectioned, stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and sent to a pathologist for examination. Digital images were taken by the pathologist and sent to DPDx for diagnostic assistance. Figure A shows what was observed on the slide (no size was given). Figures B and C show close-ups of the two ends of the object. What is your diagnosis? Based on what criteria?
Figure A
Figure B
Case Answer
The object in question was an artifact, and the case was reported as No Parasites Found (NPF). The boxy and compartmentalized cells, heavy cell walls, and rough exterior are indicative of plant material, most-likely a seed.
More on: Artifacts
This case and images were kindly provided by the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, Canada.
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.
DPDx is an education resource designed for health professionals and laboratory scientists. For an overview including prevention and control visit www.cdc.gov/parasites/.
- Page last reviewed: August 24, 2016
- Page last updated: August 24, 2016
- Content source:
- Global Health – Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria
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