EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration combined with flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry in the diagnosis of lymphoma

BACKGROUND: Limited information is available regarding the use of EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of this technique in the primary diagnosis of lymphoma. METHODS: The records were reviewed of 38 consecutive patients with GI lesions and/or enlarged lymph nodes identified on imaging studies that raised a suspicion of lymphoma who underwent EUS-FNA of lymph nodes or the gut wall. Final diagnosis was based on clinical follow-up, imaging studies, or surgical findings. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients with lymphoma and 15 patients with benign disease or reactive lymphadenopathy were identified. The overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EUS-FNA cytology with flow cytometry/immunocytochemistry (FC/IC) for the diagnosis of lymphoma were, respectively, 74%, 93%, and 81%. When comparing patients who had EUS-FNA with FC/IC versus those who had EUS-FNA without FC/IC, sensitivity was 86% versus 44% (p = 0.04), specificity was 100% versus 90% (not significant), and accuracy was 89% versus 68% (not significant). CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA can provide cytology specimens diagnostic for lymphoma. Selective use of FC/IC in patients with suspected lymphoma improves the yield of EUS-FNA and may guide diagnostic evaluation and treatment decisions.