Measles-related appendicitis

So-Ya Paik1, Jung-Tak Oh, Yoon-Jung Choi

  • 1Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Daejin Medical Center, Gyungee-do, Korea.

Insights

Pathologists can diagnose measles from appendix tissue, even before rashes appear. This study details new histopathologic findings of measles appendicitis during the full-blown infection stage.

Area of Science:

  • Pathology
  • Virology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Measles diagnosis from appendectomy specimens is possible due to Warthin-Finkeldey giant cells in hyperplastic lymphoid tissue.
  • Previous reports focused on prodromal stage appendicitis, with limited data on full-blown measles appendicitis histopathology.

Observation:

  • Two cases of measles-related appendicitis are presented, exhibiting distinct histological features based on disease stage.
  • One case was identified during the prodromal stage, while the other occurred during the full-blown stage of measles.

Findings:

  • This report details previously undocumented histopathologic findings of measles appendicitis during the full-blown stage.
  • The study highlights viral replication's impact on appendiceal histology across different infection phases.

Implications:

  • Expanding diagnostic capabilities for measles, particularly in early or atypical presentations.
  • Enhancing understanding of viral pathogenesis and organ-specific manifestations during measles infection.

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