Spindle-cell lesions of the mediastinum: Diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy

Spindle cells seen in fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the mediastinal lesions can be a component of a wide variety of benign and malignant conditions. Few of these conditions, however, are described in the FNA cytopathology literature. This review discusses the cytopathologic features, differential diagnoses, and potential pitfalls of a variety of lesions with a significant component of spindle cells encountered in mediastinal FNAB. The cytopathology files from four institutions were searched for cases of mediastinal FNAB containing a spindle-cell component that was a key or predominant cytologic feature of the diagnostic specimen. The cytomorphologic features of these cases were analyzed, and their differential features are discussed. Of 196 mediastinal FNABs, 22 (11%) were lesions with significant spindle-cell component: granulomatous inflammation (four); benign nerve sheath tumor (four); thymic cyst (two); spindle-cell thymoma (two); large-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma with sclerosis (two); nodular sclerosing Hodgkin's disease (two); liposarcoma (two); spindle-cell squamous carcinoma possibly arising in a teratoma (one); unspecified high-grade sarcoma (one); spindle-cell malignant melanoma (one); and nonspecific fibrous tissue (one). The cytologic features of each lesion were analyzed as an aid for accurate classification. These findings were correlated with radiologic and clinical information when available. The value of ancillary studies performed on aspirated material in selected cases was also reviewed. FNA of mediastinal lesions with significant spindle-cell morphology represents an infrequent and heterogeneous group of entities that may pose significant diagnostic challenges. This review presents the salient cytopathologic features of various spindle-cell lesions of the mediastinum with particular emphasis on differential diagnosis and pitfalls. The pathologist must use caution when interpreting these lesions and ancillary studies may be of significant value in selected cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1997;17:167–176. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Metachronous soft-tissue masses in children and young adults with cancer: correlation of histology and aspiration cytology

We describe a series of 28 fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) of soft tissue from 22 patients. Four patients had two separate FNABs, and one had three aspiration procedures. The patient population was limited to children and young adults (age range, 2 months to 29 years; mean, 16 years) who were known to have diverse forms of cancer, and who subsequently developed a mass in the peripheral soft tissues (including breast). The interval between the time of diagnosis of the primary malignant neoplasm and FNAB ranged from 1 day to 17 years (mean, 39 months). All FNAB diagnoses were confirmed by subsequent surgical open biopsy or clinical follow-up greater than 1 year. No complications occurred from the procedure. The cytomorphology is presented in selected cases and correlated with the patient's original tissue histopathology. Twenty aspirates were diagnosed as cytologically malignant, one as suspicious for malignancy. Seven were considered benign. None were unsatisfactory. One false-positive and no false-negative cytologic diagnoses were obtained. The overall accuracy of FNAB diagnoses was 96%, while sensitivity was 100% and specificity 88%. Sites of aspiration included soft tissues of the head and neck (seven cases), trunk (eight cases), breast (four cases), and extremities (nine cases). Malignant cytologic diagnoses included sarcoma (thirteen), seminoma (two), lymphoma/leukemia (two), melanoma (one), undifferentiated neoplasm (one), and neuroblastoma (one). Electron microscopy of aspirated cells was used to confirm the diagnosis in two cases. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of soft tissue masses from children and young adults with cancer demonstrates a high diagnostic accuracy, and its use is justified in this population.     

The diagnostic utility of CK5/6 and p63 in fine-needle aspiration of the breast lesions diagnosed as proliferative fibrocystic lesion

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy (FNAB) in the preoperative assessment of breast lesions has shown diagnostic limitations with false-positive and false-negative diagnoses. We investigated the diagnostic value of cytokeratin 5/6 (CK5/6) and p63 in a series of breast FNABs, diagnosed as proliferative breast lesions with or without atypia, to see whether these ancillary studies enhance the ability to make an accurate diagnosis by FNAB. Sixty-four breast FNABs were retrieved between January 2000 and December 2005 and included in the study as follows: 29/64 (45%) cases as proliferative with atypia and 35/64 (55%) without atypia. We also included 10 cases of fibroadenoma. All cases had histological follow-up available for correlation. Immunostaining for CK5/6 and p63 was performed on the cell block material in all cases. The percentage of staining cells in the specimen was graded as 0 (0-10%), 1 (11-25%), 2 (26-50%), and 3 (>50%). There were 9/29 (31%) cases in the atypical group that were found to be malignant on resection, compared with 6/35 (17%) in the cases without atypia. In histologically proven malignant cases, CK5/6 was negative in 11/15 (73%) or showed 1+ stain in 2/15 (13%) cases. In benign breast lesions, CK5/6 stained more than 25% of cell proliferation in 44/49 (90%). p63 showed characteristic staining for single naked bipolar nuclei in the background of the specimen (not appreciated by CK5/6) in all fibroadenoma cases. In conclusion, CK5/6 may enhance the ability to differentiate between benign and malignant epithelial proliferations in breast FNABs. In fibroepithelial lesions, p63 may be more useful than CK5/6.     

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders: A fine-needle aspiration biopsy study

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) has been used with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of both Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, studies of FNAB of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs) are rare. The clinical course of 593 allograft recipients (cardiac, 288; renal, 250; lung, 50; and heart/lung, 5) was reviewed. Twenty-six patients developed PTLD with an overall incidence of 4.4%. Of these patients, 12 underwent FNAB. Their age ranged from 33–67 yr (mean, 55 yr). The interval between transplantation and FNAB ranged between 2–14 mo (average, 8.4 mo). The lungs were the most common site aspirated (7 cases), followed by lymph nodes (3 cases) and other extranodal sites (2 cases, liver and paraspinal mass). The cytologic features of these aspirates could be classified into two categories: a polymorphous smear composed of a spectrum of mature and immature lymphocytes with scattered plasma cells and histiocytes; and a monotonous population of large lymphoid cells consistent with malignant lymphoma, large-cell type. Surgical biopsies were available in 10 (83.3%) cases and confirmed the FNAB diagnosis. In summary, FNAB appears to be a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tool in patients with PTLD. Diagn. Cytopathol. 16:392–395, 1997. © 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of parotid gland lesions: Evaluation of 438 biopsies

The usefulness of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland lesions is still controversial. The 438 FNABs taken at the Turku University Central Hospital between 1984–1991 were reviewed. Of these FNABs, 218 had been confirmed histologically. Within this subset, 136 FNABs were taken from benign neoplasms, and of these, 103 were correct (sensitivity 76%, specificity 83%). Only 26 of the 47 FNABs from malignant lesions were cytologically considered to be malignant (sensitivity 55%) and 11 samples raised a false suspicion of malignancy (specificity 92%). Out of 35 FNABs from non-neoplastic lesions, 27 were correct (sensitivity 77%, specificity 80%). There were 175 patients (217 FNABs), who had not been operated on: the follow-up of these patients showed that false malignant and false benign findings were rare. FNAB was safe and no serious complications occurred. However, there was a delay in the treatment of six patients probably because of the physicians' limited understanding of the diagnostic role of FNAB. FNAB offers valuable information about the type of parotid lesion, but the clinician must know how to interpret the cytologic statement, and the decision to use operative and other treatment should not be based solely on the result of FNAB. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;15:185–190. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Diagnostic accuracy of image-guided percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mediastinum

Interpreting a fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) from the mediastinum is challenging as this location may harbor many lesions, including primary and metastatic tumors. Image-guided transthoracic (percutaneous) FNAB is less invasive than mediastinoscopy or endoscopic-guided FNAB. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of FNAB performed percutaneously for evaluating mediastinal lesions.A retrospective study of 157 consecutive CT-guided transthoracic FNAB of the mediastinum was performed (1988-2004). Direct smears (N = 145; average 13 slides/case), ThinPrep slides (N = 25), and adequate cell blocks (N = 131) were prepared from procured cytologic material. When needed, ancillary studies included immunocytochemistry (N = 53) and flow cytometry (N = 8). Subsequent histologic tissue diagnoses available for 68 cases were also reviewed.Patients were of average age 57 yr (range 1-88 yr), including 75 males and 82 females. A definitive diagnosis was rendered in 128 (82%) cases. Primary neoplasms (N = 38) included 24 lymphomas (6 Hodgkin and 18 non-Hodgkin), 7 thymomas, 1 thymic carcinoma, and 6 peripheral nerve sheath tumors. Metastases (N = 72) were mainly carcinomas (N = 71) and 1 melanoma. There were 4 non-neoplastic lesions (1 granulomatous process; 2 bronchogenic and 1 pericardial cyst), 1 case of undifferentiated malignant large cell neoplasm, 13 cases negative for malignancy, and 29 (18%) that were indeterminate, due largely to insufficient cellularity. Subsequent histologic diagnoses were concordant with FNAB diagnoses in 53/68 cases (78%). Nine FNAB were inadequate/nondiagnostic. There were 6 discordant cases, including 5 FNAB that were of adequate cellularity but interpreted as negative for malignant cells (on subsequent histology 2 turned out to be Hodgkin lymphoma, 2 carcinomas, and 1 diffuse large cell lymphoma), and 1 diagnosed as thymoma that on histologic evaluation was a thymic large cell lymphoma.Adequate diagnostic cytologic material was obtained by image-guided percutaneous FNAB of mediastinal lesions in 82% of our cases. Sufficient material was available to make cell blocks and perform ancillary studies when necessary. These data also show a high proportion of agreement (78%) between FNAB and subsequent histologic diagnoses for a wide variety of mediastinal lesions. The majority of discordant cases were primarily interpretive, with a final cytologic diagnosis negative for malignancy. Only one problematic case misdiagnosed on FNAB as thymoma was found on subsequent surgical excision to be a thymic large B cell lymphoma. Cases with nondefinitive FNAB diagnoses were largely due to sampling error and/or insufficient cellularity. Therefore, percutaneous FNAB of the mediastinum is a diagnostically helpful, minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in patients of all ages as part of the evaluation of a mediastinal mass lesion.     

Value of fine needle aspiration cell blocks in the diagnosis and classification of lymphoma

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a simple yet accurate diagnostic procedure. However, the role of FNAB in lymphoma diagnosis and classification remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the value of FNAB cell blocks in the diagnosis and classification of lymphoma using our patented aspirator in a pencil-grip operation manner and a simplified cell block preparation method. We retrospectively reviewed 177 cases of lymph node and extranodal lymphoproliferative disorders that were diagnosed with cytomorphology, morphology, and immunohistochemistry of cell blocks. Of these, 83 were primary lymphoma; 14 were recurrent lymphoma; 8 were suspected as lymphoma, and 72 were benign reactive hyperplasia (BRH). Our analysis indicated 99.0% sensitivity, 95.9% specificity, 97.1% positive predictive value, and 98.6% negative predictive value in discriminating among primary/recurrent lymphoma and BRH. The diagnostic accuracy for sub-classification of lymphoma was 86.6% (84/97), with 77.8% (7/9) for classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 87.5% (77/88) for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Our results implicated cell blocks as a reliable and useful adjunct to FNAB for the diagnosis and classification of lymphoma. Cytomorphology, morphology, and immunohistochemical studies of cell blocks offered very high accuracy in the diagnosis of lymphoma and allowed further sub-classification in many cases. Thus, patients with a definitive diagnosis and classification might avoid invasive and expensive surgical biopsy procedures.     

Utility and outcomes of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in Hodgkin's disease

We present our 10-year experience, including clinical utilization and outcomes, with fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in Hodgkin's disease (HD). Eighty-six cases from 68 patients with HD that were evaluated by FNAB were identified over a 10-year period. Medical records of these 68 patients were reviewed. Thirty-seven patients with primary HD underwent 41 aspirates. A diagnosis of HD was yielded in 12 and suggested in 13 cases (sensitivity 86.2%, false-positive 0%). Nine were diagnosed as atypical lymphoid cells, four as hyperplasia/other, and three as unsatisfactory. With these diagnoses, six patients began treatment without tissue exam. Thirty-five patients with suspected recurrent HD underwent 45 FNABs. Recurrent HD was confirmed in 15 and suggested in 12 aspirates (sensitivity 81.3%, false-suspicious 14.3%). With these diagnoses, 22 patients began treatment for recurrence without tissue exam. FNAB is useful both for establishing a primary diagnosis and confirming recurrence in HD and thus has a high utilization at our institution. In many instances, patients can begin therapy, negating the need for formal tissue exam.     

Fine‐needle aspiration with flow cytometric immunophenotyping for primary diagnosis of intra‐abdominal lymphomas

Cytomorphology in conjunction with immunophenotypic characterization is becoming increasingly used for the primary diagnosis of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). This combination is especially advantageous for the diagnosis of intra‐abdominal and intrathoracic lymphomas, since unlike superficial lesions, open biopsy of deep‐seated tissues is more invasive and more costly, and is associated with a higher risk. We report the cytologic and immunophenotypic features of intra‐abdominal NHL obtained by fine‐needle aspiration (FNA). Twenty‐two cases of intra‐abdominal lesions obtained by image‐guided FNA where flow cytometry was also performed were reviewed. Of the 22 studied cases, 7 were classified as large‐cell lymphoma, 5 as follicular center‐cell lymphoma, 2 as small noncleaved‐cell lymphoma, 2 as lymphoplasmacytoid lymphoma, one as small lymphocytic lymphoma, and one as marginal‐zone lymphoma. In the remaining 4 cases where the immunophenotypic pattern was not definitive, the cytomorphologic features were of small cleaved cells in 3 cases and of mixed small cleaved and large cells in one case. We successfully classified 9 of the 10 patients on whom histologic confirmation was obtained. The successful primary classification of most intra‐abdominal non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas can be done with a combination of cytology and flow cytometry, and this can be the initial approach in patients with deep‐seated lesions. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1999;21:98–104. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Utility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in solid renal masses

Renal fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is used in several clinical scenarios: in patients with classic radiographic lesions; in non-operable patients with presumed high stage disease; and in patients with radiographic problematic lesions. Although overall, FNAB is a sensitive test, its role in the latter two populations has not been clearly established. To investigate the utility of FNAB in these patients, we retrospectively evaluated 43 renal FNABs in regards to diagnostic accuracy and clinical outcome. FNAB diagnoses were: malignant (36), suspicious (6), and insufficient (1). Our results indicate: 1) renal FNAB is accurate in patients with high stage lesions; 2) FNAB is less accurate in patients with radiographic problematic lesions; 3) the FNAB diagnosis of malignant increases the post-FNAB probability of malignancy, whereas the diagnosis of suspicious decreases the probability; and 4) there is excellent correlation for nuclear grade. We conclude that renal FNAB is useful in evaluating renal masses. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;14:14–19. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

The cytology of pediatric masses: a differential diagnostic approach.

In the United States, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and other cytodiagnostic methods have been underutilized in the evaluation of masses in the pediatric age group. Cytopathologists and cytotechnologists are therefore relatively unfamiliar with the cellular features of lesions that occur in children. On the basis of the cytologic findings from 64 pediatric cases, including 56 FNABs and 8 intra-operative imprints, a differential diagnostic approach to lesions in this age group is presented. The majority of cases can be placed into 1 of 5 cytomorphologic categories: (1) round-cell pattern, (2) mixed inflammatory pattern, (3) spindle-cell pattern, (4) epithelial pattern, and (5) cystic pattern. Once a cytomorphologic category is determined, evaluation for unique cellular features, special studies, and clinical correlation allows a specific diagnosis to be made in most cases. Pitfalls in pediatric cytopathology are illustrated by discussion of the following cases: a renal Burkitt's lymphoma mimicking a Wilms' tumor, a traumatic neuroma masquerading as a recurrent malignant schwannoma, Langerhans-cell histiocytosis resembling granulomatous inflammation, and a cystic granuloma that mimicked a branchial cleft cyst. Consideration of these problems and use of the recommended diagnostic approach will aid in interpretation in this difficult area.     

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis and classification of primary and recurrent lymphoma: a retrospective analysis of the utility of cytomorphology and flow cytometry.

We retrospectively reviewed our experience with the fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) diagnosis of primary and recurrent lymphoma to assess the ability of cytomorphology with and without ancillary flow cytometry (FCM) analysis to diagnose and subclassify these tumors according to the Revised European-American Lymphoma/World Health Organization classifications. We reviewed 139 consecutive FNABS of 84 primary and 55 recurrent lymphomas. FCM was successful in 105 (75%) cases. The overall results, including cases without FCM, included 93/139 (67%) true positive, 7 (5%) false negative, and 39 indeterminate (27 [19%] suspicious and 12 [9%] atypical) diagnoses of lymphoma. In cases with FCM, there were 80/105 (77%) true positive, no false negative, and 25 indeterminate diagnoses (15 [14%] suspicious and 10 [9%] atypical). The overall results of the 84 primary lymphomas were 55 (67%) true positive, 5 (5%) false negative, and 24 indeterminate (14[16%] suspicious and 10 [12%] atypical) diagnoses for lymphoma. Of the 68 primary lymphomas analyzed with FCM, 50 [74%] were true positives, and 28 were indeterminate (11 [16%] suspicious and 7 [10%] atypical). There were no false negatives. Diagnostic accuracy varied among lymphoma subtypes. Subclassification of the positive cases were initially conclusive in only 55/93 cases (59%). However, a retrospective review of the morphologic together with FCM data in 15 of the 23 unclassified cases improved the overall subclassification of positive cases to 77%. Subclassification was best in small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and plasmacytoma (all 100%). Subclassification was poor in marginal-zone lymphoma (33%), and initially as well in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (62%), but it improved on review (95%), as did subclassification of follicular lymphoma (77 to 100% on review). Hodgkin's disease was recognized as malignant in only 44% of the cases (7/16) and was classified as such based on morphology alone. This review of our early efforts to diagnose and subclassify lymphoma with FNAB and FCM indicates that although a diagnosis and proper subclassification of lymphoma can be made with certainty in the majority of cases, recurrent or primary, it requires close coordination of cytomorphology and immunophenotyping data, which often comes with close cooperation of cytopathologists and hematopathologists. A mere cytological diagnosis of positive for lymphoma is no longer acceptable if FNAB is to become an independent diagnostic tool for lymphoma.     

Combining fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and high‐resolution melt analysis to reduce diagnostic delay in mycobacterial lymphadenitis

Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most common cause of extra‐pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries. Lymphadenitis caused by non‐tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) requires consideration, particularly in immunocompromised patients and children in developed countries. Fine‐Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB) offers a valuable specimen collection technique, but culture confirmation, mycobacterial speciation and drug resistance testing (if indicated) is often unavailable in TB endemic areas and result in unacceptable diagnostic delay. We evaluated the diagnostic value of high‐resolution DNA melting (HRM) analysis in the diagnosis of mycobacterial lymphadenopathy using FNAB and an inexpensive transport medium. Specimens were collected from patients referred to the FNAB Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital (June 2007–May 2008) with clinical mycobacterial lymphadenitis. Cytology, culture, and HRM were performed on all specimens. The reference standard for disease was defined as positive cytology (morphological evidence plus mycobacterial visualization) and/or a positive culture. Specimens were collected from 104 patients and mycobacterial disease was confirmed in 54 (51.9%); 52 Mycobacterium tuberculosis, 1 Mycobacterium Bovis BCG and 1 NTM. Cytology was positive in 83.3% (45/54) and culture in 72.2% (39/54) of patients. HRM identified 57.4% (31/54) of cases. By using the defined reference standard, we recorded 94.0% specificity and 51.9% sensitivity (positive predictive value 90.3%) with HRM analysis. HRM analysis allowed rapid and species specific diagnosis of mycobacterial lymph adenitis in the majority of patients, permitting early institution of appropriate therapy. Optimization of this technique requires further study. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Utility of glypican‐3 and survivin in differentiating hepatocellular carcinoma from benign and preneoplastic hepatic lesions and metastatic carcinomas in liver fine‐needle aspiration biopsies

Glypican‐3 (GPC‐3), a membrane‐anchored heparin sulfate proteoglycan, has been shown to be expressed in ～80% of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but not in benign hepatic lesions. Survivin, a novel inhibitor of apoptosis, and a prognostic marker, has also been expressed in HCC. We evaluated these two immunomarkers (GPC‐3 and survivin) in differentiating HCC from benign and preneoplastic hepatic lesions and metastatic carcinomas, comparing them to HepPar‐1 (hepatocyte paraffin‐1) in liver fine‐needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB). Immunohistochemistry for GPC‐3, survivin and HepPar‐1 was performed on 92 FNAB including HCC, hepatic cirrhosis, focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), hepatic adenoma, dysplastic hepatic nodules and metastatic carcinomas. Immunostaining was scored as positive, if ≥10% of tumor cells stained. GPC‐3 is immunoexpressed in 56.8% of HCC, but not in benign and preneoplastic hepatic lesions, or metastatic carcinomas; whereas survivin is expressed in HCC (86.4%), benign hepatic lesions (85.7%), dysplastic hepatic nodules (100%) and metastatic carcinomas (94.3%). HepPar‐1 is immunoexpressed in HCC (72.7%), benign hepatic lesions (100%), dysplastic nodules (100%) and metastatic carcinomas (2.9%). The sensitivity and specificity of GPC‐3, survivin and HepPar‐1 for detection of HCC are 56.8 and 100%, 86.4 and 6.3%, 72.7 and 70.8%, respectively. GPC‐3 is a reliable and more specific immunohistochemical marker than survivin for the diagnosis of HCC in FNAB. HepPar‐1, although a more sensitive marker than GPC‐3, has a lower specificity for detection of HCC. Our data supports the potentially significant diagnostic utility of GPC‐3 in FNABs in differentiating primary malignant from benign and preneoplastic liver lesions, and metastatic carcinomas. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma: regression analysis to identify improved cytologic criteria

The incidence of pancreatic adenocarcinoma is increasing and it is usually unresectable at the time of diagnosis. Consequently, fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is being used more frequently for diagnosis. The reported sensitivity of diagnosing pancreatic adenocarcinoma by FNAB has varied between 50% and 100%. In an attempt to increase the diagnostic sensitivity, we retrospectively reviewed a series of pancreatic FNABs. Fifteen cytologic criteria were evaluated in 78 patients who had pancreatic FNABs. Of these patients, 49 had primary adenocarcinomas and 29 had benign, non-neoplastic lesions. Using a stepwise logistic regression analysis we identified three key cytologic criteria for this diagnosis. Our study identified anisonucleosis (P = 0.001), large nuclei (P = .007), and nuclear molding (P = .03) as the significant cytologic features for diagnosing pancreatic adenocarcinoma. In combination, these three criteria had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 100%.     

Telecytology of fine-needle aspiration biopsies of the pancreas: a study of well-differentiated adenocarcinoma and chronic pancreatitis with atypical epithelial repair changes

Four experienced cytopathologists provided consultations using telecytology and routine microscopy. Twenty-seven fine-needle aspiration biopsies (FNABs) from patients with chronic pancreatitis with atypical epithelial repair changes (n = 9) and pancreatic low-grade adenocarcinomas (LG-AC) (n = 18) were studied. False-positive and false-negative diagnostic rates were 19.4% and 12.5% by microscopy and 11.1% and 2.8% by telecytology. Comparisons of agreements between the correct diagnoses and consultations rendered by the two methods and among the diagnoses rendered on the same cases by the two modalities yielded kappa coefficients ranging from 0.444-1.000. Telecytology yielded slightly better kappa coefficients than microscopy. This method, which to our knowledge has not been previously applied to pancreatic FNAB, provides a potentially useful consultative tool for the interpretation of these difficult specimens. The diagnosis of FNAB from patients with chronic pancreatitis and LG-AC is difficult even for experienced consultants, as underscored by the considerable intraobserver and interobserver variability encountered in this study.     

Evaluation of pediatric abdominal masses by fine‐needle aspiration cytology: A clinicoradiologic approach

The pathologist forms a very important part of the clinical team in the management of pediatric intra‐abdominal masses in giving a rapid, accurate diagnosis for these potentially curable tumors. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an invaluable tool in this regard when interpreted with clinicoradiologic parameters. With this in mind, we decided to evaluate the role of FNAC in pediatric abdominal masses in our institution. A total of 83 of 105 FNAC accessioned in the pathology department over 5 years (2003–2007) were studied. These included only cases where a diagnosis could be offered on cytology. Detailed clinicoradiological features were obtained from hospital records. Cytomorphological features examined included cellularity, architectural pattern, background, key cellular details. Immunocytochemistry were done where necessary. Lesions diagnosed on FNAC included Wilms' tumor (19), lymphoma (10), neuroblastoma (6), hepatoblastoma (5), PNET (5), rhabdomyosarcoma (2), DSRCT (2), germ cell tumor (6), and miscellaneous tumors (7). Definite diagnosis could be offered on cytomorphology in 74.7% (62) cases, while in 25.3% (21) cases only a diagnosis of round cell tumor could be offered. Concordance with final histopathology and biochemical parameters was subsequently obtained in 79/83 (95.5%) of cases. A clinically relevant classification is possible on FNAC in pediatric abdominal tumors when interpreted with clinicoradiologic parameters. This obviates the need for a more time‐consuming biopsy procedure in critical situations and in stage II nephroblastoma where it is contraindicated. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Diagnostic value of telomerase expression in breast fine-needle aspiration biopsies

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of breast is a minimally invasive sampling procedure with a proven value in the initial evaluation of patients with palpable breast lesions. FNAB is a simple, cost-effective, and relatively nontraumatic procedure that has replaced open surgical biopsy in majority of academic institutions across the world. There are, however, inherent limitations in the ability of FNAB to reliably diagnose small percentage of cases that are difficult to diagnose by cytomorphology alone and require excisional biopsy. This shortcoming may be minimized if the morphology can be complemented by a reliable diagnostic adjunct. This retrospective study was designed to assess the added value of telomerase immunostain in interpretation of breast FNABs. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that has been shown to be activated in different malignant tumors, including breast cancer. Immunocytochemical detection of this molecular marker on cytologic smears and cellblocks may be helpful for interpretation of FNAB specimens. In our retrospective study, we found that 56% of the malignant breast cases (28/50) showed positive telomerase immunostaining while only 4% of the negative cases (2/50) stained with telomerase (positive predictive value: 93%, negative predictive value: 69%). Expression of telomerase on highly suspicious breast fine-needle aspirations may upgrade the diagnosis to malignancy. However, a negative telomerase cannot exclude the possibility of carcinoma.     

Exfoliative respiratory cytology in the diagnosis of leukemias and lymphomas in the lung

Leukemias and lymphomas involving the lung were diagnosed by means of exfoliative cytology in 31 specimens from 20 patients. Initial diagnostic categorizations included 29 specimens “positive for malignancy,” including two thought to represent “carcinoma vs. lymphoma,” and two considered suspicious for lymphoma. Previous diagnoses of lymphoma (13 patients) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) (2 patients) were available. In 5 additional patients, exfoliative respiratory cytology yielded the first diagnosis of hematopoietic malignancy. Cytologic diagnosis included nine large-cell and six small-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL), three Hodgkin's lymphomas (HD), and two AML. Key cytologic features included markedly pleomorphic and monomorphic cell populations in HD and NHL, respectively, as well as lack of tumor cell cohesion and necrosis in all cases. Cytologically, acute leukemia may be difficult to differentiate from large-cell NHL, and small-cell NHL from reactive/benign small lymphocytes. Blood, scant cellularity, crush artifacts, and apparent molding may affect diagnostic accuracy. Immunocytochemistry in cell block sections of sputa and washings is useful in the diagnostic workup in selected cases. Although involvement of the respiratory system by leukemias and lymphomas is uncommon and not always preceded by a history of malignancy, cytologic diagnosis is usually prompt, reliable, and accurate. Diagn Cytopathol 1996;14:108–113. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.