Cytopathology of primary sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia of the thyroid: a multi-institutional case series and review of literature.

INTRODUCTION: Sclerosing Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma with Eosinophilia (SMECE) of the thyroid is an extremely rare tumor that exhibits unique histologic characteristics and is nearly always associated with lymphocytic thyroiditis (LT). However, the cytomorphologic and clinicopathologic characteristics of SMECE have only been described in rare case reports. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Authors' institution laboratory information systems were searched for records of SMECE between 2012 and 2023. Literature review was performed using keywords "Sclerosing mucoepidermoid carcinoma with eosinophilia", "thyroid", and "cytopathology" to search through institution electronic library databases for relevant articles. RESULTS: A total of 19 cases were identified, 3 unpublished in the authors' archives and 16 in the literature which had fine needle aspiration (FNA) material or cytologic features available for review, and were comprised of 3 males and 16 females. The common cytomorphologic characteristics of SMECE included fragments or loose clusters of intermediate-type epidermoid cells in a background of prominent LT and eosinophils. Overt keratinization, mucinous cells, and extracellular mucin were not commonly encountered, resulting in diagnostic challenges, especially if eosinophils associated with epithelial cell clusters were rare. The cases were reported as "Nondiagnostic" (1 case), "Atypia of Undetermined Significance" (4 cases), "Suspicious for Malignancy" (3 case), or "Malignant" (11 cases). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical course of SMECE of the thyroid varied and distinct cytomorphologic characteristics in a subset of patients who experienced aggressive disease raises the possibility of different prognostic grades. Cases with keratinized squamous cells and necrosis mimic anaplastic (undifferentiated) thyroid carcinoma, but the clinical history and radiologic findings can be helpful to exclude this diagnosis.

Cytopathology of mesenchymal tumors of the thyroid gland: analysis of 12 cases from multinational institutions with review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Mesenchymal tumors of the thyroid gland are extremely rare. We report the cytomorphologic characteristics of 12 mesenchymal tumors occurring in the thyroid gland and highlight the diagnostic difficulties encountered in their cytologic evaluation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cytopathology and surgical pathology archives from 5 large institutions were searched for thyroid mesenchymal tumors that had an FNA available for review. Clinicopathologic and cytomorphologic characteristics for each case were evaluated. RESULTS: Twelve cases of mesenchymal tumors occurring in the thyroid were identified in our search. Patient age ranged from 28 to 84 years (median, 60 years). The cases occurred in 7 women and 5 men. The tumor size ranged from 1.4 to 14 cm (median, 3.3 cm). The tumors were as follows: hemangioma (n = 4; 33.3%), angiosarcoma (n = 2; 16.7%), schwannoma (n = 2; 16.7%), solitary fibrous tumor (n = 2, 16.7%), metastatic synovial sarcoma (n = 1, 8.3%) and metastatic pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 1, 8.3%). The cytomorphologic features of the tumors were similar to those of their counterparts occurring in different sites. An accurate diagnosis was achieved in six primary thyroid mesenchymal cases (60%). Five patients (41.7%) underwent total thyroidectomy, and 3 patients received partial thyroidectomy (25%). Three patients (25%) did not receive a thyroidectomy and subsequent surgical information was not available in 1 case (8.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Mesenchymal tumors of the thyroid are extremely uncommon. Cytologic diagnosis of these tumors is often challenging due to the morphologic overlap with diverse epithelial and non-epithelial thyroid lesions. Ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular studies are essential for accurate diagnosis.

Detecting Somatic Mutations for Well-Differentiated Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration with Next-Generation Sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) exhibit heterogenous behavior, whereby some small tumors are aggressive with a propensity for metastasis. Detection of somatic mutations associated with aggressive biology may help with patient stratification and surgical decision-making in patients with well-differentiated PanNETs. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we investigated the feasibility of detecting somatic mutations in endoscopic ultrasound-guided, fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) specimens and determining the mutational concordance between the EUS-FNA specimens and the primary tumors. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients with well-differentiated, nonfunctioning PanNETs were obtained from two tertiary referral centers. Patient demographic characteristics and tumor, clinicopathologic features were collected. Tissue from both the EUS-FNA specimen and the primary tumor was extracted from archival tissue blocks. NGS using a panel of ten genes was performed on both samples. RESULTS: In our series, the median age was 61.1 years. Tumors were predominantly left-sided (60.5%) and unifocal (94.7%). The median tumor size was 2.2 cm. NGS detected somatic mutations in 29% of primary tumors and 36.8% of EUS-FNA specimens. In primary tumors, DAXX/ATRX mutations were predominantly detected (63.6%). In EUS-FNA specimens, MEN1 mutations were predominantly detected (64.3%). Among non-wild-type specimens, mutational concordance was achieved in 31.6% of cases. In 11 patients with a detectable mutation in the primary tumor, a mutation was detected in the EUS-FNA specimen in 45.5% of cases, with a mutational concordance of 54.5%. CONCLUSIONS: NGS can detect somatic mutations in EUS-FNA specimens of well-differentiated PanNETs. Efforts to improve detection sensitivity and mutational concordance are required to overcome current technical limitations.

Fine-Needle Aspiration of Sarcomas Metastatic to Lymph Nodes: A Cytomorphologic Study over a 10-Year Period.

INTRODUCTION: Metastasis of sarcomas to lymph nodes is an uncommon event in its natural history. We aimed to present our experience with fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of metastatic sarcomas to lymph nodes over a 10-year period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The cytopathology archives were searched for FNA of lymph nodes involved by metastatic sarcomas. Available clinicopathologic data were recorded. All slides were retrieved and reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-three lymph nodes, from 30 patients, with metastatic soft tissue sarcomas were identified. The lymph node metastases occurred in 16 males and 14 females (median age, 56 years). The size of the lymph nodes ranged from 1.2 to 7.5 cm (median size, 2.9 cm). The inguinal lymph nodes were the most commonly involved nodes, followed by thoracic and cervical neck nodes. The most common metastatic soft tissue sarcoma encountered was Kaposi sarcoma (n = 7, 23.3%), followed by angiosarcoma (n = 6, 20%) and rhabdomyosarcoma (n = 6, 20%). The most common site of primary soft tissue sarcoma was the head and neck (n = 8, 26.6%), followed by lower extremity (n = 7, 23.3%). The initial diagnosis of sarcoma was established in 6 cases. Seventen patients had metachronous involvement of lymph nodes, while the remaining patients had synchronous involvement. Seventen patients died of disease, and the survival after lymph node metastasis ranged from 1 to 43 months. CONCLUSION: FNA is an accurate and effective method in the diagnosis of metastatic sarcoma to lymph nodes. Knowledge of clinical findings and primary tumor diagnosis along with careful assessment of the cytomorphology is extremely helpful for an accurate diagnosis of metastases.

Fine needle aspiration of bone lesions: A tertiary care centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Bone fine needle aspiration (FNA) presents several diagnostic challenges including limited sample material, reduced ability to assess the architecture, and lack of a standardised reporting system. The aim of our study is to present our experience regarding bone FNA. METHODS: We performed a 6-year retrospective search of our archives to identify all FNA cases of bone lesions. Available data regarding patients' demographics, cytopathology, and surgical pathology were recorded. The FNA cases were then grouped into five categories (atypical, neoplasm-benign, neoplasm of unknown malignant potential, suspicious for malignancy, and malignant) and the risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 341 FNA cases performed in 337 patients (M = 173, F = 164; mean age = 57.2 years) were identified. The iliac crest was the most commonly biopsied site (n = 134). The adequacy of bone FNA was 77.4%. The sensitivity and specificity regarding the nature of the lesion were 96.5% and 100%, respectively. The overall diagnostic accuracy of bone FNA was 77%. The accuracy of bone FNA for non-metastatic bone lesions including non-neoplastic lesions was 74%, while the diagnostic accuracy of bone FNA for a metastatic disease was 83.5%. The diagnostic accuracy for primary neoplastic lesions was 70%. The frequency (n,%) of cytomorphological categories were as follows: atypical (30, 8.8%); neoplasm-benign (6, 1.8%); neoplasm of unknown malignant potential (18, 5.3%); suspicious for malignancy (4, 1.2%); and malignant (145, 42.5%). The ROM in these categories was respectively as follows: 51.7%, 0%, 46.7%, 100%, and 99.1%. CONCLUSION: FNA is a sensitive and specific technique for the diagnosis of bone lesions. In most instances, an accurate diagnosis can be achieved if adequate material, ancillary studies, and radiological correlation are available.

The 2023 Bethesda System for reporting thyroid cytopathology.

Since the publication of the first edition in 2010, The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has allowed cytopathologists to use a standardized, category-based reporting system for thyroid fine needle aspirations. The third edition builds on the success of the 2 earlier editions and offers several key updates. The most important is the assignment of a single name for each of the 6 diagnostic categories: (i) nondiagnostic; (ii) benign; (iii) atypia of undetermined significance; (iv) follicular neoplasm; (v) suspicious for malignancy; and (vi) malignant. Each of the categories has an implied risk of malignancy (ROM), which has been updated and refined based on data reported after the second edition. The third edition offers an average ROM for each category, in addition to the expected range of cancer risk. The atypia of undetermined significance subcategorization is simplified into 2 subgroups based on the implied ROM and molecular profiling. A discussion of pediatric thyroid disease has been added, and pediatric ROMs and management algorithms are discussed in the relevant sections. Nomenclature has been updated to align with the 2022 World Health Organization Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms. Two new chapters have been added: one that addresses the significant and expanded use of molecular and ancillary testing in thyroid cytopathology, and another that summarizes clinical perspectives and imaging findings in thyroid disease.

The 2023 Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology.

Since the publication of the first edition in 2010, The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology has allowed cytopathologists to use a standardized, category-based reporting system for thyroid fine needle aspirations. The third edition builds on the success of the 2 earlier editions and offers several key updates. The most important is the assignment of a single name for each of the 6 diagnostic categories: (i) nondiagnostic; (ii) benign; (iii) atypia of undetermined significance; (iv) follicular neoplasm; (v) suspicious for malignancy; and (vi) malignant. Each of the categories has an implied risk of malignancy (ROM), which has been updated and refined based on data reported after the second edition. The third edition offers an average ROM for each category, in addition to the expected range of cancer risk. The atypia of undetermined significance subcategorization is simplified into 2 subgroups based on the implied ROM and molecular profiling. A discussion of pediatric thyroid disease has been added, and pediatric ROMs and management algorithms are discussed in the relevant sections. Nomenclature has been updated to align with the 2022 World Health Organization Classification of Thyroid Neoplasms. Two new chapters have been added: one that addresses the significant and expanded use of molecular and ancillary testing in thyroid cytopathology, and another that summarizes clinical perspectives and imaging findings in thyroid disease.

Risk factors for developing subglottic and tracheal stenosis from the medical intensive care unit.

Objective: Endotracheal intubation is a common procedure in the medical intensive care unit (MICU), but it carries risk of complications including, but not limited to, subglottic stenosis (SGS) and tracheal stenosis (TS). Current literature suggests identifiable risk factors for the development of airway complications. This study is a comprehensive evaluation of potential risk factors in patients who developed SGS and TS following endotracheal intubation in our MICU. Methods: Patients intubated in our MICU were identified from 2013 to 2019. Diagnoses of SGS or TS within 1 year of MICU admission were identified. Data extracted included age, sex, body measurements, comorbidities, bronchoscopies, endotracheal tube size, tracheostomy, social history, and medications. Patients with prior diagnosis of airway complication, tracheostomy, or head and neck cancer were excluded. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed. Results: A total of 136 patients with TS or SGS were identified out of a sample of 6603 patients intubated in the MICU. Cases were matched to controls who did not develop airway stenosis based on identical Charlson Comorbidity Index scores. Eighty six controls were identified with a complete record of endotracheal/tracheostomy tube size, airway procedures, sociodemographic data, and medical diagnosis. Regression analysis showed that SGS or TS were associated with tracheostomy, bronchoscopy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, current tobacco use, gastroesophageal reflux disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, pneumonia, bronchitis, and numerous medication classes. Conclusion: Various conditions, procedures, and medications are associated with an increased risk of developing SGS or TS. Level of evidence: 4.

Degenerative atypia in benign thyroid nodules: a potential diagnostic pitfall on fine-needle aspiration.

INTRODUCTION: Benign (B) follicular lesions of the thyroid are among the most encountered specimens on fine needle aspiration (FNA). Although FNA and The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) remain highly accurate, minimally invasive and robust tools in triaging thyroid nodules, false positive (FP) diagnoses may still occur. Endocrine-type degenerative atypia can cause diagnoses of suspicious for malignancy (SFM) or malignant (M), resulting in overtreatment and exposure to undue surgical risk in patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a multi-institutional retrospective clinicopathologic correlation of benign thyroid nodules with degenerative atypia on FNA. Review of cytologic material was conducted to identify potential cytomorphologic features which may have prompted these diagnoses. RESULTS: Among 342 patients with benign thyroid nodules harboring degenerative atypia, 123 had available preceding FNA cytopathology. TBSRTC nondiagnostic, B, atypia of undetermined significance, follicular neoplasm, SFM, and M, comprised 3.3%, 49.6%, 30.1%, 13.0%, 2.4%, and 1.6% of cases. Among patients with FP diagnoses (SFM and M), 100% underwent total thyroidectomy, and 40.0% underwent additional neck lymph node dissections. Among remaining patients, 61.0%, 39.0%, and 0% underwent lobectomy, thyroidectomy, and lymph node dissection. The number of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy was significantly different (P = 0.03) between those with FP nodules and those without. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that 4.1% of nodules harboring endocrine-type degenerative atypia may be given FP diagnoses on initial FNA. Such atypia may be indistinguishable from that of Graves' Disease, dyshormonogenic goiter, and radiation therapy. FP diagnoses of degenerative atypia can expose patients to undue surgical procedures and risks.

Synovial sarcoma: cytopathology of 51 cases highlighting the application of ancillary molecular testing.

INTRODUCTION: Among sarcomas, synovial sarcoma (SS) is defined by its unique SS18 cytogenetic translocation. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is in a key position to exploit this uniqueness for diagnostic purposes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our cytopathology files were searched for examples of SS with histopathologic verification. FNA biopsy, imprint smears, and core needle biopsy (CNB) were performed using standard techniques. RESULTS: Fifty-one cases from 49 patients (male/female ratio, 1:1; age range, 12-79 years; mean age, 40 years) met the inclusion criteria. Of the 51 cases, 44 (86%) were FNAs, 6 were cytology imprints, and 1 was pleural fluid. Eleven aspirates had concurrent CNB. All cases had tissue confirmation. The biopsy sites included extremities (n = 24; 47%), trunk (n = 12; 24%), lung (n = 8; 16%), head or neck (n = 6; 12%), and pleural fluid (n = 1; 2%). The aspirates were from primary (n = 36; 71%), metastatic (n = 12; 24%), and recurrent (n = 3; 5%) neoplasms. The cytologic diagnoses were SS (69%), suspicious for SS (12%), malignancy (10%), spindle cell neoplasm (4%), and malignancy other than SS (6%). In general, smears and imprints contained dense cell aggregates and single cells composed of a monotonous population having fusiform, rounded, or ovoid banal nuclei and scant cytoplasm. Poorly differentiated SS showed both large epithelioid cell and small cell cytomorphology. When performed, SS18 immunohistochemical and genetic testing was positive in all 19 FNA and 3 CNB cases. CONCLUSIONS: When coupled with appropriate ancillary testing, FNA biopsy allows for a specific, accurate diagnosis of SS in most cases.

Myxoid Soft Tissue Tumors: A 20-Year Experience on Fine Needle Aspiration with Application of the Proposed WHO Reporting System for Soft Tissue Cytopathology.

INTRODUCTION: Myxoid soft tissue tumors represent a heterogenous group of neoplasms. The study presented our experience on cytopathology of myxoid soft tissue tumors on fine needle aspiration (FNA) and aimed to apply the recently proposed WHO system for reporting soft tissue cytopathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a 20-year retrospective search of our archives to identify all FNAs performed on myxoid soft tissue lesions. All cases were reviewed, and the WHO reporting system was applied. RESULTS: 129 FNAs performed in 121 patients (62 males; 59 females) showed a prominent myxoid component, accounting for 2.4% of all soft tissue FNAs. The FNAs were performed on 111 (86.7%) primary tumors, 17 (13.2%) recurrent tumors, and one (0.8%) metastatic lesion. A spectrum of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions including both benign and malignant neoplasms was identified. Overall, the most common tumors identified were myxoid liposarcoma (27.1%), intramuscular myxoma (15.5%), and myxofibrosarcoma (13.1%). The sensitivity and specificity of FNA regarding the nature of the lesion (benign vs. malignant) were 98% and 100%, respectively. When the WHO reporting system was applied, the frequency of the categories was as follows: benign (7.8%), atypical (34.1%), soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (18.6%), suspicious for malignancy (3.1%), and malignant (36.4%). The risk of malignancy calculated in each category was as follows: benign (10%), atypical (31.8%), soft tissue neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (50%), suspicious for malignancy (100%), and malignant (100%). CONCLUSION: A diverse group of non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions can show a prominent myxoid component on FNA. The WHO reporting system for soft tissue cytopathology is easily applicable and appears to correlate well with the malignant potential of myxoid tumors.

Benign mesenchymal tumours of the tongue: A report of adult-type rhabdomyoma and granular cell tumour with a review of the literature.

The cytomorphological features of benign mesenchymal tumours of the tongue have rarely been reported. Herein, we present the cytomorphological features of adult-type rhabdomyoma, which occurred in the tongue of a female patient, and granular cell tumour (GCT), which occurred in the tongue of a male patient; both patients were in their mid-50s. The cytological features of the adult-type rhabdomyoma case included large polygonal to ovoid cells with abundant and granular cytoplasm with predominantly peripherally located, uniform, round to oval nuclei and small nucleoli. Cross-striation and crystalline intracytoplasmic structures were not seen. The cytological features of the GCT case included large cells with abundant granular pale cytoplasm, small round nuclei and small distinct nucleoli. The cytological differential diagnoses of these tumours overlap; thus, the cytological findings of the different entities included in their differential diagnoses are discussed.

Antimalarial Drug Resistance Profiling of Plasmodium falciparum Infections in India Using Next-Generation Sequencing.

Background: Tracking the emergence and spread of antimalarial drug resistance has become critical to sustaining progress towards the control and eventual elimination of malaria in South Asia, especially India. Methods: An amplicon sequencing protocol was used for high-throughput molecular surveillance of antimalarial drug resistance in a total of 158 isolates at three sites in India: Chennai, Nadiad and Rourkela. Five genes of the Plasmodium falciparum implicated in antimalarial resistance were investigated here; Pfcrt for chloroquine resistance, Pfdhfr for pyrimethamine resistance, Pfdhps for sulfadoxine resistance, Pfk13 for artemisinin resistance and Pfmdr1 for resistance to multiple antimalarials. Results: Mutations in the propeller domain of PfK13 were observed in two samples only, however these mutations are not validated for artemisinin resistance. A high proportion of parasites from the P. falciparum dominant site Rourkela showed wild-type Pfcrt and Pfdhfr haplotypes, while mutant Pfcrt and Pfdhfr haplotypes were fixed at the P. vivax dominant sites Chennai and Nadiad. The wild-type PfDHPS haplotype was predominant across all study sites. Finally, we observed the largest proportion of suspected multi-clonal infections at Rourkela, which has the highest transmission of P. falciparum among our study sites. Conclusion: This is the first simultaneous high-throughput next generation sequencing of five complete P. falciparum genes from infected patients in India.

Metastatic sarcomas to pleural effusion: a 10-year large tertiary care center experience with emphasis on clinical features and cytomorphologic characteristics.

INTRODUCTION: Metastatic sarcomas to pleural effusion are extremely rare, accounting for <1% of all malignant pleural effusions. We aim to present our experience with pleural effusion specimens containing metastatic sarcomas over a 10-year period. METHODS: We performed a 10-year retrospective search of cytopathology archives to identify all pleural effusions that were involved by metastatic sarcoma. All available cytopathology and surgical pathology specimens were retrieved and reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight pleural fluids from 22 patients with metastatic sarcoma were identified in our search. The patients' ages ranged from 12 to 73 years. The pleural fluid volumes ranged from 10 to 1500 ml. Rhabdomyosarcoma was the most commonly encountered metastatic sarcoma to pleural effusion (n = 7). Other metastatic sarcomas were as follows: epithelioid angiosarcoma (n = 4), Ewing sarcoma (n = 3), clear cell sarcoma (n = 2), high grade conventional osteosarcoma (n = 2), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (n = 1), epithelioid sarcoma, proximal type (n = 1), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (n = 1), and conventional chondrosarcoma (n = 1). The time between initial diagnosis and effusion varied from 3 months to 25 years. Two patients are alive with disease at 6 and 21 months of follow-up. All other patients were dead of disease and the survival after a malignant pleural effusion ranged from <1 month to 18 months. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic bone and soft tissue sarcomas to pleural effusions are rare and their cytologic features can be mistaken for carcinoma, melanoma, or mesothelioma. Careful review of the patient's medical history, comparison of the previous pathology and the use of ancillary studies are crucial for the evaluation of pleural effusions involved by metastatic sarcomas.

Polymethylmethacrylate-induced foreign body reaction presenting as bilateral parotid lesions: A case report of dermal filler adverse reaction diagnosed on fine needle aspiration.

BACKGROUND: Dermal filler injections are being increasingly used as a non-surgical option for facial cosmetic procedures. However, their use has been implicated in multiple adverse events including immediate, early onset, and late onset complications. AIM: We present a case of dermal filler-induced foreign body reaction presenting as bilateral parotid lesions and diagnosed using fine needle aspiration. CONCLUSION: This case elucidate the risk of delayed adverse events in patients with dermal filler injections and stresses the importance of awareness by patients and providers for such events.

Cancer-cell-derived sialylated IgG as a novel biomarker for predicting poor pathological response to neoadjuvant therapy and prognosis in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) is increasingly applied in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC); however, accurate prediction of therapeutic response to NAT remains a pressing clinical challenge. Cancer-cell-derived sialylated immunoglobulin G (SIA-IgG) was previously identified as a prognostic biomarker in PDAC. This study aims to explore whether SIA-IgG expression in treatment-naïve fine needle aspirate (FNA) biopsy specimens could predict the pathological response (PR) to NAT for PDAC. METHODS: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy specimens prior to NAT were prospectively obtained from 72 patients with PDAC at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. SIA-IgG expression of PDAC specimens was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Associations between SIA-IgG expression and PR, as well as patient prognosis, were analyzed. A second cohort enrolling surgically resected primary tumor specimens from 79 patients with PDAC was used to validate the prognostic value of SIA-IgG expression. RESULTS: SIA-IgG was expressed in 58.3% of treatment-naïve FNA biopsies. Positive SIA-IgG expression at diagnosis was associated with unfavorable PR and can serve as an independent predictor of PR. The sensitivity and specificity of SIA-IgG expression in FNA specimens in predicting an unfavorable PR were 63.9% and 80.6%, respectively. Both positive SIA-IgG expression in treatment-naïve FNA specimens and high SIA-IgG expression in surgically resected primary tumor specimens were significantly associated with shorter survival. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of SIA-IgG on FNA specimens prior to NAT may help predict PR for PDAC. Additionally, SIA-IgG expression in treatment-naïve FNA specimens and surgically resected primary tumor specimens were predictive of the prognosis for PDAC.

Chondroblastoma: Cytomorphologic Analysis of 10 Cases with Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Chondroblastoma (CB) is a rare, benign cartilage-producing tumor, typically affecting the epiphysis of long bones in skeletally immature individuals. There have been only limited case reports describing the cytomorphologic features of this tumor, and thus the cytopathologic diagnostic criteria are controversial. Herein, we report the cytologic findings of 10 CB cases, discuss the diagnostic criteria and critical differential diagnosis, along with a comprehensive review of the literature. METHODS: We performed a retrospective search of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases for cases diagnosed as CB that had corresponding cytology specimens from four large medical institutions. All available cytopathology specimens were retrieved and reviewed. Clinicopathologic and radiologic data were recorded. RESULTS: Ten cases were retrieved from 8 patients aged 15-42 years (mean, 24 years), five of whom were males. Eight cases represented primary tumors while 2 cases were recurrences. Three cases occurred in the femur, two cases occurred in the humerus, while 1 case occurred in each of the glenoid, talus, and proximal phalanx of the 3rd toe. The cytologic diagnosis of CB was achieved in 7 cases. The neoplastic mononuclear cells were present in all cases and their cytologic features were similar. These cells displayed round to oval eccentric nuclei, evenly distributed chromatin, and inconspicuous nucleoli; few of which had nuclear indentations. Multinucleated giant cells were present in 9 cases (90%). Fragments of chondromyxoid matrix were present in 4 cases on cytologic preparations (40%). Cell blocks were available in 8 cases. Mononuclear and multinucleated giant cells were present in all adequate cell blocks and their cytologic features were identical to those seen in the smears. The chondroid matrix was present in only three of the adequate cell blocks (43%). CONCLUSION: We concluded that with the appropriate clinical and radiologic setting, the diagnosis of CB can be achieved on cytology if characteristic chondroblasts are present. The presence of chondromyxoid matrix is a helpful clue but is not necessary for the diagnosis. As in surgical pathology, cytologic evaluation of bone tumors should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical and radiologic findings.