Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Presenting as Small Bowel Obstruction.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of bowel wall to a variable depth. A 38 year old female presented with loose stool and vomiting since 3 days. She gave history of pain abdomen and weight loss since six months. Barium study revealed ascending colon stricture just proximal to the hepatic flexure ? malignant. A colonic biopsy was done, which was reported as edematous colonic mucosa with mild increase in eosinophils. Intra-operatively, a dense long segment stricture was found in the ascending colon extending to the caecum which warranted a right hemicolectomy. Histopathology revealed dense infiltration of eosinophils in the entire thickness of ileal and caecal wall. The diagnosis of eosinophilic gastroenteritis was made. Patient responded well to steroids. The case is being reported to highlight its rarity due to caecal involvement, presentation as intestinal obstruction and missed diagnosis on endoscopic biopsy.

Mast Cells in Non-neoplastic Skin Lesions.

Background: Mast cells are found in tissues throughout body, particularly in proximity to surfaces that interface with the external environment. They are found at all levels of dermis, where they are grouped around blood vessels, nerves and appendages. Increase in mast cell number have been reported in various cutaneous diseases. Aims: We aim to identify and analyse the morphological aspects of distribution of mast cells and their value in non-neoplastic skin lesions. Material and Methods: Ninety seven biopsies of various skin lesions were studied for mast cells by Toluidine Blue at pH 3.9. Result: All the skin lesions showed significant increase in mast cell number. Psoriasis showed maximum number of mast cells (127/mm2) followed by Lichen planus (108/mm2). Among the cases of cutaneous bacterial infections, mast cells were maximum in leprosy cases (99/mm2) and lowest in cutaneous tuberculosis. A comparative decrease in number of mast cells was seen from lepromatous leprosy to tuberculoid leprosy. A wide range of morphological alterations of mast cells were observed in these skin lesions. Psoriasis and bullous pemphigoid cases showed maximum spindle cell morphology. Conclusion: Tissue mast cell number, distribution and morphology vary in different skin lesions depending on the degree of mast cell activation. This may have a bearing on diagnosis and management.

Tumoral calcinosis: a series of six cases with review of pathogenesis and histopathological diagnosis.

Six cases of tumoral calcinosis detected in a short period of time are reported. All the cases were in late adults and mostly in females. Most lesions were in inactive late stage. Available published literature on this rare interesting lesion has been reviewed. The etiopathogenesis and pathological features are discussed. It appears that the strict compartmentalization of lesions into different stages depending on the histological features and the importance of proliferating areas as a marker for progression and recurrence has been over emphasized.