Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Case Reports

17 Gluteal “Pearls”: A Cadaveric Case Report

Tori Womble, MS; Atiya Qillawala; Kara Mullins; Khadija Bhatti; Carolina Cosendey Kotsatos; Mariana Stanfield; Anna Liles; Jonathan Millard, PhD; Teresa Johnson, MS, PhD Corresponding author: twomble@vt.vcom.edu

Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine

A cystic mass was identified in the upper right gluteal region of a cadaver during routine dissection as part of standard anatomy curriculum. Initial gross examination suggested the mass could be a parasitic lesion. The cyst was well-circumscribed, intact, and measured approximately 2.75 inches in length. Upon removal and excision of the mass, we found 33 fluid-filled pearl-like structures ranging in size from 0.25-0.75 inch in diameter. Given its size and appearance, the lesion raised suspicion of potentially being a brood sac caused by Echinococcus spp. Echinococcosis is a parasitic infection of the

intestinal tract with extraintestinal sites of infection most commonly found in the liver or lungs. While gastrointestinal involvement is not uncommon in echinococcosis due to the parasite's life cycle, extraintestinal locations like the gluteal region are extremely rare and may result from hematogenous or lymphatic spread or dissemination of the organism following perforation of the bowel. Without a medical history for the donor, it cannot be determined whether the individual experienced clinical symptoms or treatment related to this infection. This case illustrates

the need for consideration of parasitic infections in differential diagnoses of cystic masses in uncommon anatomical locations and highlights the potential for Echinococcus to manifest in extrahepatic tissues. Further histological interpretation and investigation into the exact dissemination pathways and clinical implications of extrahepatic echinococcal cysts is warranted. A pathology specimen was sent to the CDC Division of Parasitic Diseases and Malaria (DPDM) DPDx diagnostic reference lab for further analysis.

109 2025 Research Recognition Day