Emphysematous lymphangitis in the colon of a steer

Abstract

Emphysematous lymphangitis was found in the colon of a 2-year-old Holstein-Friesian steer which was conventionally slaughtered for food. At postmortem examination, the wall of a circumscribed region of the colon was involved with emphysematous lesion characterized by the presence of many small gas bubbles. Histologically, this emphysematous lesion proved to be multicystic lymphangiectasis, mainly involving the submucosal tissue. Lymphangiectasis was associated occasionally with granulomatous infiltrates comprised of giant cells and macrophages. A small number of macrophages and eosinophils infiltrated into areas surrounding dilated lymphatic vessels. Histochemical stains failed to demonstrate microorganisms or other pathogens in giant cells and macrophages or elsewhere in the lesioned submucosa. Bacteriological examination failed to reveal any likely pathogen. The present investigation was unable to definitely determine the entry pathway and composition of gaseous matter stagnated within dilated lymphatics. Although an immune-mediated pathogenesis was suggested in the development of the lesions on the basis of the presence of eosinophilic and granulomatous infiltrates, the exact etiology and pathogenesis of this condition which specifically involved lymphatic vessels in the colon remains unknown.

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