Cytopathological spectrum of peripheral neuroblastic tumours in fine needle aspiration cytology and categorisation as per International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this analysis was to describe the cytopathology spectrum of peripheral neuroblastic tumours (NTs) including neuroblastoma (NB), ganglioneuroblastoma (GNB) and ganglioneuroma (GN). Feasibility of applying the International Neuroblastoma Pathology Classification (INPC) to further subtype NTs in cytology was evaluated. METHODS: All peripheral NTs reported on fine needle aspiration during 2011-2015 were retrieved and detailed cytomorphological evaluation was performed. Based on INPC criteria, NBs were further categorised as undifferentiated, poorly differentiated and differentiating subtypes. Mitotic-karyorrhectic index was evaluated. Immunocytochemistry on cell blocks was reviewed wherever available. MYCN amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridisation was performed in 11 cases on smears. RESULTS: A total of 90 cases including 83 NBs, six GNB and one GN were evaluated. The age range was 12 days-12 years, with 55 males and 45 females. Both the primary and metastatic locations were aspirated. Applying the INPC criteria, there were 61 poorly differentiated, 14 undifferentiated, eight differentiating NB and six GNB. Immunocytochemistry on cell blocks showed positivity for at least two neuronal markers in NB. Mitotic-karyorrhectic index was high in 63, low in 22 and intermediate in two cases, respectively. MYCN amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridisation was feasible on smears and was amplified in 6 out of 11 cases tested. CONCLUSION: Peripheral NT types including NB, GNB and GN have distinctive cytomorphology. NBs can be further subtyped as undifferentiated, poorly differentiated and differentiating subtypes as per INPC criteria.

Ovarian Small Cell Carcinoma of Hypercalcemic Type in an Adolescent Girl.

OBJECTIVE: Small cell carcinoma of ovary, hypercalcemic type is a rare malignancy with a dismal prognosis. The diagnosis is often confused with many other tumors. CASE REPORT: We describe a rare case of ovarian small cell carcinoma of hypercalcemic type in an adolescent. She presented with abdominal pain, awareness of mass and vomiting. She underwent exploratory laparotomy and right ovarian excision. The detailed histopathological examination including immunohistochemistry was suggestive of ovarian small cell carcinoma of hypercalcemic type. She had progressive disease on chemotherapy and ultimately died within 2 years of diagnosis. Due to rarity of this neoplasm and its aggressive nature, the optimal treatment regimen has not been established. CONCLUSION: We report this case because of its rare occurrence leading to clinical and diagnostic challenges and need to explore effective treatment options to improve survival in these patients.

Plasmablastic lymphoma of bone marrow: Report of a rare case and immunohistochemistry based approach to the diagnosis.

Plasmablastic lymphoma (PBL) is a distinctly rare neoplasm believed to arise from post-germinal center, terminally differentiated, activated B cells before transformation to plasma cells; and predominantly affecting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected or immunodeficient males. Here, we report a rare case of primary PBL of bone marrow in an immunocompetent male, the diagnosis of which is complicated by the overlapping morphology and immunophenotype with several large cell lymphomas and plasma cell neoplasms; and showing dramatic response to anti-CD30 monoclonal antibody based therapy. We discuss the immunohistochemistry based approach and the possible diagnostic pitfalls in such cases. The inclusion of markers of plasmablastic differentiation in the diagnostic panel of large cell lymphomas is essential to avoid misclassification of these rare lymphomas.

Multiple Opportunistic Infections in an 8-month-old Infant: Is it Seronegative HIV Infection?

We describe an 8-mo-old boy who presented with acute respiratory failure following a prolonged febrile respiratory illness with features suggesting immunodeficiency.