Significance of intraepithelial lymphocytes in appendix

The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of the increase in intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) in the mucosa of the appendix. One hundred and four retrospective appendectomy specimens were examined to evaluate the IELs. Intraepithelial lymphocytosis was identified in 11.5% (12 cases) of the specimens. Of these 12 cases, 6 cases with intraepithelial lymphocytosis were associated with parasitic infection. No increase in IELs was found in the 36 appendices that were removed in other primary operations.A wide range of immunologic stimuli can raise IELs in the gastrointestinal system. However, in appendectomies with clinical signs of acute appendicitis, an increase in IELs is more likely to be related to parasitic infection. This increase should be considered for the diagnosis of parasitic infections.