Malakoplakia of Colon and Retroperitoneum: Report of a Case with a Histochemical Study of the Mlchaelis-Gutmann Inclusion Bodies

Abstract

The gross and microscopic pathology of a case of malakoplakia of the colon and retroperitoneum is described. Histochemical studies of the Michaelis-Gutmann bodies suggest that they are a glycolipid substance not readily identified with a know human polysaccharide-lipid. They are histochemically identical with Michaelis-Gutmann inclusion bodies observed in a case of malakoplakia of the urinary bladder. It is suggested that the local release of massive amounts of glycolipid from a specific microorganism may cause the peculiar granulomatous response observed in malakoplakia.