A portion of spleen, showing echinococcal (hydatid) cysts
Object numberGC.10002
TitleA portion of spleen, showing echinococcal (hydatid) cysts
DescriptionA portion of spleen, showing echinococcal (hydatid) cysts.
These are cysts that form as the result of being infected by the immature (larval) form of tapeworm.
From a male aged 49, who had suffered from supposed tuberculous peritonitis as a child and recently had noted abdominal distension and finally slight jaundice which had progressively deepened. During the last few days he had had a raised temperature and a skin eruption had appeared. Examination showed the presence of large globular masses in the abdomen. At autopsy thousands of cysts were found all over the peritoneal cavity and one huge cyst extending from the umbilicus to the pubes. Many of the cysts were calcified.
The portion of spleen in this specimen includes two large cysts which are visible on the serous aspect, and occupy the greater portion of the spleen. There are numerous adhesions over the surface and what splenic tissue remains appears fibrotic. Microscopic examination showed the characteristic features of hydatid. disease. There were neither scolices nor hooklets in the cysts examined.
Production date 1935
Object nameSPLEEN
Object categoryAnatomical, specimen
Dimensions
- Length: 11 cm
Height: 17 cm
Width: 7 cm