45 - Cadaveric Finding of Rice Bodies in Shoulder Bursae and Tendon Sheath

Poster Board Number: 45
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Abstract Body : Background and Purpose: The subacromial/subdeltoid bursa can develop inflammation and effusion related to autoimmune, infectious, and musculoskeletal disorders. Rice bodies have been described as an uncommon complication of bursitis and have been the subject of case studies over a number of years. However, they have not been described in anatomical or physical therapy related literature. Case Description: A donor body dissected for a physical therapy anatomy course was found to have an enlarged subacromial/subdeltoid bursa. This bursa, along with the biceps brachii tendon sheath, and the subscapularis muscle bursa, were filled with a number of rice-like bodies. The bursal wall was well developed and thickened. Tissue specimens were obtained of the suspected rice bodies, the subacromial/subdeltoid bursal wall, and the biceps brachii tendon sheath. The tissue was embedded, sectioned, and processed with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson’s Trichrome staining for blinded histologic assessment. Video and still photographs of this dissection were obtained. Outcomes: The tissue samples from within the bursa were identified as tissue similar to that in prior clinical descriptions of rice bodies. Tissue samples from the bursal wall and tendon sheath were identified as similar to synovial membranes. Discussion: Rice bodies found within the cadaveric body were similar histologically to those described in rheumatology, radiology, and orthopedic literature. Anatomists teaching future health care providers should be familiar with rice bodies as a potential finding in cadavers to capitalize on a teachable moment.