Cystic Crypt Changes in Midgestational Human Vermiform Appendix: An Unrecognized Transient Histologic Feature.

Introduction: Lewis and Huff briefly described the presence of "microcystic cryptitis" in some of fetal vermiform appendices (VA) at autopsy. We further characterized these crypt changes (CC), their timing of occurrence, and tested their association with infection/inflammatory conditions.

Methods: Hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of 345 VA were evaluated for the presence or absence of CC and their different morphologies.