Sarcina

From Libre Pathology
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Sarcina organisms are seen in the gastrointestinal tract.

Micrograph showing Sarcina. H&E stain. (WC/Librepath)

General

  • Probably a commensal organism.[1]
  • Gram positive coccus.[2]
  • Uncommonly seen.
  • Associated with gastroparesis,[1] as may be seen in diabetes mellitus.

Described complications:[1]

  • Gastric perforation.
  • Emphysematous gastritis.

Notes:

  • Sarcina ventriculi = Gram-positive organism.[1]

Gross

Features:

  • Erythema.
  • +/-Gastric ulcer.
  • +/-Retained food.

Microscopic

Features:[3]

  • Small essentially spherical micro-organisms.
    • Each micro-organism 1.8-3 micrometres - purple on H&E stain.
    • Arranged in clusters of 4, 8 or more - classically in a tetrad - key feature.

DDx:

  • Micrococcus - form larger clusters.[3]

Images

Case 1

www

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Ratuapli, SK.; Lam-Himlin, DM.; Heigh, RI. (2013). "Sarcina ventriculi of the stomach: a case report.". World J Gastroenterol 19 (14): 2282-5. doi:10.3748/wjg.v19.i14.2282. PMID 23599657.
  2. "Pathogenic Sarcina in urine". BMJ Case Rep 2016. 2016. doi:10.1136/bcr-2016-216991. PMID 27737866.
  3. 3.0 3.1 Lam-Himlin, D.; Tsiatis, AC.; Montgomery, E.; Pai, RK.; Brown, JA.; Razavi, M.; Lamps, L.; Eshleman, JR. et al. (Nov 2011). "Sarcina organisms in the gastrointestinal tract: a clinicopathologic and molecular study.". Am J Surg Pathol 35 (11): 1700-5. doi:10.1097/PAS.0b013e31822911e6. PMID 21997690.