Findings

Note the large reddish-purple intranuclear inclusion in an enlarged gastric epithelial cell. Several smaller intracytoplasmic inclusions are also present.

Impression

CMV gastritis

Pathology Pointer

CMV inclusions are found in non-epithelial cells and, less commonly, in epithelial cells. An enlarged cell with a big, reddish-purple intranuclear inclusion surrounded by a clear halo and peripherally clumped chromatin is characteristic for CMV infection. Cells with similar but smaller intranuclear inclusions are also found in the herpes-varicella group of infections. Immunohistochemistry or DNA probes are required for a definitive diagnosis. The infected cells with inclusions are markedly enlarged, hence the term "cytomegalo".

Preparation

Fixed, H & E stain

View

Light microscopy

Specimen

Stomach

Image Credit

Katsumi M. Miyai, M.D., Ph.D
Department of Pathology
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego