Malakoplakia of the small intestine presenting as an abdominal mass

Malakoplakia is a rare chronic granulomatous disease that typically involves the urinary and gastrointestinal tracts of immunocompromised individuals. Characteristic histologic features include von Hansemann cells and Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. Clinical manifestations, based on the organ system effected, range from cutaneous lesions, irritative urinary symptoms, and hematochezia. We report a rare example of malakoplakia presenting as an abdominal mass with extensive intestinal and pelvic involvement complicated by a superficial polymicrobial abscess. This case report aims to describe the proposed pathogenesis, variable clinical presentation, and surgical management of malakoplakia.

Malakoplakia of Endometrium with Osseous Metaplasia on Evaluation of Postmenopausal Leukorrhea: A Rare Case Report

Malakoplakia is a chronic xanthogranulomatous condition that affects the genitourinary tract reported earlier as urinary granulomas and pelvic masses. We report a different clinical manifestation of malakoplakia presenting as postmenopausal pyometra. A 64-year-old postmenopausal female presented with foul-smelling vaginal discharge with a past history of induced abortion, followed by dilatation and evacuation. On examination, abdomen was soft, vaginal examination revealed pus discharge, parous size uterus with free fornices, and pap smear ruled out malignancy. Ultrasonography revealed linear, echogenic structures in the endometrial cavity suspicious of bony spicules with fluid around. Hysteroscopy revealed congested endometrium with multiple pieces of shredded bone-like structures that were removed followed by curettage. Histopathological examination was suggestive of malakoplakia with osseous metaplasia. Retained bony spicules can cause chronic granulomatous inflammation that may become symptomatic postmenopause due to absent cyclical shedding. This is the first reported case of malakoplakia of uterus following retained bony spicules.

von Hansemann Cells from Fresh Urine Sediment Samples in the Diagnosis of Malakoplakia

Background

Malakoplakia is characterized by the presence of plaques with macrophages containing inclusion bodies. The diagnosis of this disease is carried out by biopsy of the lesion. The objective of this paper was to assess the value of fresh urine sediment in the diagnosis of malakoplakia.

Materials and Methods

Five suspected cases of malakoplakia that showed macrophages with inclusions called bodies of Michaelis-Gutmann (von Hansemann cells) in unstained urine sediment were processed with Papanicolaou, Giemsa, and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains. Four of the five patients had a history of cystitis and had developed antibiotic resistance. The other patient had the characteristics cells in a routine urinalysis.

Results

Papanicolaou stain revealed intracytoplasmic eosinophilic or basophilic bodies, single or multiple in macrophages. Such bodies were stained deep red with PAS technique. Giemsa stain showed these bodies with a faint basophilic coloration, sometimes with a central core. Bladder biopsies established the definitive diagnosis, showing bodies within and outside macrophages, with a concentric "birds-eye" or "owl-eye" (targetoid) appearance.

Conclusions

Finding of von Hansemann cells in fresh urine sediment of patients with cystitis and a history of resistance to antibiotic scan leads to the diagnosis of malakoplakia. Giemsa stain can show in some cases the characteristic central core of Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. Malakoplakia is probably the result of an acquired defect in macrophage function causing impairment of bactericidal activity. A correct diagnosis is important because the spread to ureters with bilateral stenosis and obstruction can lead to kidney failure.

Malakoplakia of the urinary system

Malakoplakia is regarded as a chronic granulomatous inflammatory disease with a good prognosis. It usually affects the urinary system, especially the urinary bladder. Bacterial infections, including E. coli are thought to be the main factor in pathogenesis. It frequently coexists with chronic diseases and immunosuppression state. Histopathological examination of affected tissue samples is thought to be the best diagnostic method. The basic microscopic feature is mixed inflammatory infiltration containing foamy histiocytes known as von Hansemann cells, frequently with basophilic inclusions known as Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. Symptoms and the clinical course of malakoplakia depend on location and the extent of the lesions. The lesion is treated successfully with antibiotic therapy and surgical excision.

Malakoplakia of the ureter: An unusual case

Malakoplakia of the ureter is a rare pathological entity. We discuss a 15-year-old girl with malakoplakia of the ureter. She presented with obstructive uropathy associated with left flank pain. Radiological investigations showed left lower ureteric stricture without bladder or kidney involvement. She was treated by excision of terminal ureter and ureteroneocystostomy. Histopathologic examination of the excised specimen showed malakoplakia. Postoperative course was uneventful and on follow-up, she has normal serum creatinine and no recurrence of the disease.