Cell-in-cell phenomenon in urinary sediment: a case report
Carlos Martínez-Figueroa1, Karen Cortés-Sarabia2, José Antonio Tesser Poloni3,4
1InvesLab Clinical Laboratory, Iguala de la Independencia, Guerrero, Mexico.
Biochemia Medica
|April 25, 2022
Summary
Urothelial cells in urinary sediment can engulf apoptotic cells, a process vital for clearing dying cells. This physiological event, observed in a patient, should not be mistaken for cancer.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Urology
- Pathology
Background:
- Non-phagocytic cells can internalize apoptotic cells, a mechanism crucial for tissue homeostasis.
- Apoptotic cell clearance is essential for preventing secondary necrosis and inflammation.
Observation:
- Microscopic analysis of urinary sediment revealed urothelial cells containing internalized leukocytes and other urothelial cells.
- A case study of an elderly male patient with dehydration and urinary tract infection presented unusual findings in urinalysis.
Findings:
- Evidence suggests urothelial cells mediated the phagocytosis of apoptotic cells within urinary sediment.
- Immunocytochemistry for CD68, a macrophage marker, yielded negative results, differentiating this from typical macrophage phagocytosis.
Implications:
- This observation highlights a potential physiological mechanism for apoptotic cell elimination in the urinary tract.
- Distinguishing this urothelial cell-mediated phagocytosis from neoplastic processes is critical for accurate diagnosis and patient management.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
236
Urinalysis is a widely used diagnostic test that analyzes urine's physical, chemical, and microscopic characteristics. Healthcare providers use it to detect and monitor various health conditions, including renal disease, urinary tract infections (UTIs), diabetes, and metabolic or systemic disorders.Components of UrinalysisUrinalysis consists of three primary components: physical, chemical, and microscopic examination. Each provides unique insights into the urine sample and, by extension, the...
236
01:26Urine Studies II: Urine Culture and Sensitivity Test
150
A urine culture and sensitivity test is a diagnostic procedure used to identify urinary tract bacterial infections and determine the most effective antibiotics for treatment. This test is generally preferred when a patient shows manifestations of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain.Purpose of the TestThe primary goals of a urine culture and sensitivity test are to:Determine the specific bacteria causing the...
150