PMC2972760_01
PMC2972760_02
PMC2972760_03
PMC2972760_04
Extensive edema and hemorrhage involving the cecum in a patient with intestinal anthrax.
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F1
The patient underwent laparotomy for suspected acute appendicitis that showed edema of the cecum and ascending colon, as well as enlargement of the mesenteric lymph nodes (Figure 1).
Anthrax bacilli (arrow) within mesenteric lymph node tissue.
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F2
Gram-positive rods were visible upon pathologic examination of the excised lymph nodes (Figure 2).
PMC2972760_05
PMC2972760_06
A. Severe edema of a small bowel loop in intestinal anthrax with a large mesenteric lymph node held between the surgeon's fingers. B. Same segment of bowel opened after resection. Edema, necrosis, and mucosal hemorrhages exist. A central eschar (arrow) and small surrounding nodules (arrowhead) are reminiscent of the cutaneous lesions of anthrax.
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F3
Laparotomy showed a large amount of ascitic fluid, an edematous small bowel loop proximal to the cecum, and enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes (Figure 3A and B).