Benign signet ring cells in pseudomembranous colitis: a diagnostic trap
Sunitha Jacob1, Najah R Zayyani
1Departments of Pathology & Medical Gastroenterology, Bahrain Specialist Hospital, Juffair, Manama, Bahrain.
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|January 21, 2014
Summary
Pseudomembranous colitis can present with benign signet ring cell (SRC) changes. Recognizing this uncommon finding is crucial to prevent misdiagnosis of SRC carcinoma in patients with antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pathology
Background:
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea can lead to severe gastrointestinal conditions.
- Pseudomembranous colitis is a known complication of broad-spectrum antibiotic use.
Observation:
- A patient presented with intractable diarrhea and abdominal distention after antibiotic therapy.
- Colonic biopsy revealed pseudomembranous colitis with focal signet ring cell (SRC) changes.
Findings:
- The observed SRCs exhibited bland nuclei and were confined to the crypt basement membranes.
- No infiltration into the lamina propria was noted, indicating benign morphology.
Implications:
- Benign SRC changes in pseudomembranous colitis are rare but significant.
- Awareness of this phenomenon is vital to avoid misdiagnosing SRC carcinoma.
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