The World Health Organization Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology: Overview and Summary.

The recently published WHO Reporting System for Pancreaticobiliary Cytopathology (World Health Organization [WHO] System) is an international approach to the standardized reporting of pancreaticobiliary cytopathology, updating the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology System for Reporting Pancreaticobiliary Cytology (PSC System). Significant changes were made to the categorization of benign neoplasms, intraductal neoplasms, mucinous cystic neoplasms, and malignant neoplasms considered low grade. Benign neoplasms, such as serous cystadenoma, categorized as Neoplastic: benign in the PSC system, are categorized as Benign/negative for malignancy in the WHO system. Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm, and gastrointestinal stromal tumor, categorized as Neoplastic: other in the PSC system, are categorized as Malignant in the WHO System in accord with their classification in the 5th edition WHO Classification of Digestive System Tumours (2019). The two new categories of Pancreaticobiliary Neoplasm Low-risk/grade and Pancreaticobiliary Neoplasm High-risk/grade are mostly limited to intraductal neoplasms and mucinous cystic neoplasms. Low-risk/grade lesions are mucinous cysts, with or without low-grade epithelial atypia. High-risk/grade lesions contain neoplastic epithelium with high-grade epithelial atypia. Correlation with clinical, imaging, and ancillary studies remains a key tenet. The sections for each entity are written to highlight key cytopathological features and cytopathological differential diagnoses with the pathologist working in low resource setting in mind. Each section also includes the most pertinent ancillary studies useful for the differential diagnosis. Sample reports are provided for each category. Finally, the book provides a separate section with risk of malignancy and management recommendations for each category to facilitate decision-making for clinicians.

Doing more with less: integrating small biopsies in cytology practice.

Cytopathologists are at the forefront of specimen acquisition during many different procedures while providing rapid on site evaluation (ROSE). This has added pressure to cytopathologists as more and more ancillary testing is being requested on smaller amounts of tissue. By focusing on the most common organ sites: lung, head and neck, and pancreas, there is a discussion of what the cytopathologist needs to know to triage tissue successfully. Finally, there is a discussion of the logistical aspects of integrating small biopsies into everyday practice.

Crossing the Andes: Challenges and opportunities for digital pathology in Latin America.

The most widely accepted and used type of digital pathology (DP) is whole-slide imaging (WSI). The USFDA granted two WSI system approvals for primary diagnosis, the first in 2017. In Latin America, DP has the potential to reshape healthcare by enhancing diagnostic capabilities through artificial intelligence (AI) and standardizing pathology reports. Yet, we must tackle regulatory hurdles, training, resource availability, and unique challenges to the region. Collectively addressing these hurdles can enable the region to harness DP's advantages-enhancing disease diagnosis, medical research, and healthcare accessibility for its population. Americas Health Foundation assembled a panel of Latin American pathologists who are experts in DP to assess the hurdles to implementing it into pathologists' workflows in the region and provide recommendations for overcoming them. Some key steps recommended include creating a Latin American Society of Digital Pathology to provide continuing education, developing AI models trained on the Latin American population, establishing national regulatory frameworks for protecting the data, and standardizing formats for DP images to ensure that pathologists can collaborate and validate specimens across the various DP platforms.

Risks of malignancy in the major nongynecologic cytopathology reporting systems: Critiques and discussions.

The ever-increasing popularity of standardized systems for reporting cytopathology has led in part to much attention to and importance of the risk stratification schemes, especially the risks of malignancy (ROMs), which are associated with the different diagnostic categories and upon which recommendations for clinical management are based. However, it is well known that the ROM calculations are based on retrospective reviews of the existing literature, representing a heterogeneous patient population, and are plagued by significant biases and variations. Statistically, the ROM represents the post-test probability of malignancy, which changes with the test result and with the prevalence of malignancy (or pretest probability) in an individual practice setting and individual patient presentation. Therefore, the clinical utility of the ROM is questioned and likely needs a second look in the nongynecologic cytopathology reporting systems. In this communication, the authors discuss the status of the ROM estimates according to the most commonly used nongynecologic reporting systems, including for thyroid, salivary glands, and others, highlighting similarities and differences with a focus on the limitations of ROM estimates and their application in clinical practice.

American Society of Cytopathology Telecytology validation recommendations for rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE).

Telecytology has multiple applications, including rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) specimens. It can enhance cytopathology practice by increasing productivity, reducing costs, and providing subspecialty expertise in areas with limited access to a cytopathologist. However, there are currently no specific validation guidelines to ensure safe practice and compliance with regulations. This initiative, promoted by the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC), intends to propose recommendations for telecytology implementation. These recommendations propose that the validation process should include testing of all hardware and software, both separately and as a whole; training of all individuals who will participate in telecytology with regular competency evaluations; a structured approach using retrospective slides with defined diagnoses for validation and prospective cases for verification and quality assurance. Telecytology processes must be integrated into the laboratory's quality management system and benchmarks for discrepancy rates between preliminary and final diagnoses should be established and monitored. Special attention should be paid to minimize discrepancies that downgrade malignant cases to benign (false positive on telecytology). Currently, billing and reimbursement codes for telecytology are not yet available. Once, they are, recommendation of the appropriate usage of these codes would be a part of the recommendations. These proposed guidelines are intended to be a resource for laboratories that are considering implementing telecytology. These recommendations can help to ensure the safe and effective use of telecytology and maximize its benefits for patients.

Small biopsies for pancreatic lesions: Is there still room for fine needle aspiration?

Pancreatic carcinoma is an aggressive tumour with increasing incidence in both sexes worldwide. Early detection is, therefore, essential for patient management. A recent advancement involves the utilization of larger, thicker gauge needles, which enable the collection of core-type biopsies (FNB). Here, we investigated the role of fine needle aspiration and cytopathology in the diagnostic workflow of pancreatic lesions. A search query was designed to search for articles in the PubMed database comparing FNA and FNB for biopsy of pancreatic lesions, and detailed data were extracted from selected studies. Statistical analyses were performed using the R package meta version 6.2. Twenty-one studies made the final cut for data extraction. Overall, median age was 64.3 years (±6.1; 47.6-71.5), male: female proportion 53.9 (±11.3; 27.6-67.4), lesion size 3.1 cm (±0.5; 1.9-4.2 cm) and percentage of malignant cases 78.3% (±26.8; 2.1-100). FNA and FNB diagnostic yield was 85.8% (±10.3; 70.0-100.0) and 89.2% (±7.7; 70.0-98.6), respectively. Average accuracy was 89.5% (±11.7; 63.0-100.0) for FNA and 90.8% (±7.1; 77.0-100.0) for FNB. Adverse effects rate was 1.0% (±1.3; 0-4.3) for FNA and 2.2% (±4.4; 0-16.1) for FNB. None of the selected variables had a significant statistical difference between both methods. FNA and FNB perform similarly for diagnostic material acquisition in pancreatic lesions. The best outcome comes from the association of both techniques, emphasizing the value of combining cytological and histological morphology for the most accurate analysis.

Validation of cytopathology specimens for digital pathology.

INTRODUCTION: Digital cytopathology is being progressively implemented in centres worldwide, but impediments such as the three-dimensionality of specimens and the size of scanned images have prevented its use from becoming widespread. This study aimed to validate the use of digital whole slide image scanning of cytopathology samples for routine sign-out. METHODS: Specimens were scanned using the Leica Aperio GT 450 System. The following sample types were used: liquid-based cytology, direct conventional smears from fine needle aspirates and cytospins. Cases were validated by the same pathologist who originally rendered the conventional diagnosis, with a washout of at least 3 months. Final digital diagnoses were compared to the original analogical diagnoses, and cases were considered concordant up to a one-degree difference between the original and digital diagnoses. Reasons for the unsuccessful scanning of slides were also noted. The technical procedures followed the College of American Pathologists' guidelines for digital pathology validation. RESULTS: A total of 730 slides from 383 cases (337 female, 51 male; median age 42) were successfully scanned. These cases consisted of the following sample types: 81 (21.1%) conventional smears, 240 (62.7%) liquid-based cytology samples and 62 (16.2%) cytospins. There were only five discordant cases, with a 98.7% agreement between original and digital diagnoses using the difference rate of up to one degree. Seventy-seven slides (10.5%) had to be rescanned due to technical problems. The main reasons for unsuccessful scanning were paucicellular samples (44; 57.1%), the thickness of the smears (18; 23.4%) and issues with the coverslip (15; 19.5%). CONCLUSION: Cytological specimens can be successfully scanned and used for digital pathology, with excellent agreement with the original diagnoses.

Multi-institutional validation of a modified scheme for subcategorizing salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP).

BACKGROUND: The salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP) category in the Milan System is diagnostically challenging. This study aims to validate a modified scheme for subcategorizing SUMP in a large multi-institutional cohort. METHODS: Retrospective review of salivary gland fine-needle aspirations (FNAs) from 10 institutions were classified based on the Milan System. Cases diagnosed as SUMP with available cytology slides and surgical follow-up were retrieved for review and subcategorized based on a modified scheme as follows: basaloid SUMP (B1: absent/scant nonfibrillary matrix; B2: presence of nonfibrillary/mixed-type matrix), oncocytic/oncocytoid SUMP (O1: with mucinous background; O2: without mucinous background), and SUMP not otherwise specified (NOS). RESULTS: A total of 742 (7.5%) cases from 9938 consecutive salivary gland FNAs were classified as SUMP. Among them, 525 (70.8%) had surgical follow-up and 329 (62.7%) were available for review. The overall risk of malignancy (ROM) of SUMP was 40.4%. There were 156 cases (47.4%) subcategorized as basaloid SUMP with a ROM of 36.5%, 101 (30.7%) as oncocytic/oncocytoid SUMP with a ROM of 52.5%, and 72 (21.9%) as SUMP NOS with a ROM of 31.9%. The ROM of oncocytic/oncocytoid SUMP was significantly higher than basaloid SUMP (P = .0142) and SUMP NOS (P = .0084). No significant differences in ROM were noted between B1 and B2 (36.7% vs 36.4%, P = 1.0000) and O1 and O2 (65.2% vs 48.7%, P = .2349). CONCLUSIONS: The ROM of oncocytic/oncocytoid SUMP was 52.5% and significantly higher than that of basaloid SUMP (36.5%, P = .0142) and SUMP NOS (31.9%, P = .0084), whereas no significant differences in ROM were noted for cases with different types of extracellular matrix or background material.

Application of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology in pediatric patients: An international, multi-institutional study.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric salivary gland fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is uncommon with a higher frequency of inflammatory lesions and a small proportion of malignancies. This international, multi-institutional cohort evaluated the application of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) and the risk of malignancy (ROM) for each diagnostic category. METHODS: Pediatric (0- to 21-year-old) salivary gland FNA specimens from 22 international institutions of 7 countries, including the United States, England, Italy, Greece, Finland, Brazil, and France, were retrospectively assigned to an MSRSGC diagnostic category as follows: nondiagnostic, nonneoplastic, atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), benign neoplasm, salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP), suspicious for malignancy (SM), or malignant. Cytology-histology correlation was performed where available, and the ROM was calculated for each MSRSGC diagnostic category. RESULTS: The cohort of 477 aspirates was reclassified according to the MSRSGC as follows: nondiagnostic, 10.3%; nonneoplastic, 34.6%; AUS, 5.2%; benign neoplasm, 27.5%; SUMP, 7.5%; SM, 2.5%; and malignant, 12.4%. Histopathologic follow-up was available for 237 cases (49.7%). The ROMs were as follows: nondiagnostic, 5.9%; nonneoplastic, 9.1%; AUS, 35.7%; benign neoplasm, 3.3%; SUMP, 31.8%; SM, 100%; and malignant, 100%. Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignancy (18 of 237; 7.6%), and it was followed by acinic cell carcinoma (16 of 237; 6.8%). Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign neoplasm (95 of 237; 40.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The MSRSGC can be reliably applied to pediatric salivary gland FNA. The ROM of each MSRSGC category in pediatric salivary gland FNA is relatively similar to the ROM of each category in adult salivary gland FNA, although the reported rates for the different MSRSGC categories are variable across institutions.

COVID-19 pandemic impact on cytopathology practice in the post-lockdown period: An international, multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: In a previous worldwide survey, the authors showed a drastic reduction in the number of cytological specimens processed during the coronavirus disease 2019 "lockdown" period along with an increase in malignancy rates. To assess the continued impact of the pandemic on cytological practices around the world, they undertook a second follow-up worldwide survey collecting data from the post-lockdown period (2020). METHODS: Participants were asked to provide data regarding their cytopathology activity during the first 12 weeks of their respective national post-lockdown period (2020), which ranged from April 4 to October 31. Differences between the post-lockdown period and the corresponding 2019 period were evaluated, and the authors specifically focused on rates of malignant diagnoses. RESULTS: A total of 29 respondents from 17 countries worldwide joined the survey. Overall, a lower number of cytological specimens (n = 236,352) were processed in comparison with the same period in 2019 (n = 321,466) for a relative reduction of 26.5%. The overall malignancy rate showed a statistically significant increase (12,442 [5.26%] vs 12,882 [4.01%]; P < .001) during the same time period. Similar results were obtained if both malignancy and suspicious for malignancy rates were considered together (15,759 [6.58%] vs 16,011 [4.98%]; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The data showed a persistent reduction in the cytological specimen volume during the post-lockdown period (2020). However, the relative increase in the cytological workload in the late part of the post-lockdown is a promising finding of a slow return to normality.

Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration of lymph nodes: A cancer center's experience.

INTRODUCTION: Lymph node fine needle aspiration (LN-FNA) is a minimally invasive method of evaluating lymphadenopathy. Nonetheless, its use is not widely accepted due to the lack of guidelines and a cytopathological categorisation that directly relates to management. We report our experience with LN FNA at a large Cancer Center in Latin America. METHODS: We retrospectively collected cytological cases of lymph node FNA from the department of pathology at AC Camargo Cancer Center performed over a 2-year period. Data extracted included LN location, age, sex and final cytological diagnosis. Patients that had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/or cases for which the surgery specimen location was not clearly reported were excluded. For those cases with surgical reports, risk of malignancy was calculated for each diagnostic category, along with overall performance of cytology. False positive cases were reviewed to assess any possible misinterpretation or sampling errors. RESULTS: A total of 1730 LN-FNA were distributed as follows: 62 (3.5%) non-diagnostic (ND); 1123 (64.9%) negative (NEG), 19 (1.1%) atypical (ATY), 53 (3.1%) suspicious for malignancy (SUS), and 473 (27.3%) positive (POS). Surgical reports were available for 560 cases (32.4%). Risk of malignancy (ROM) for each category was 33.3% for ND, 29.9% for NEG, 25% for ATY, 74.2% for SUS and 99.6% for POS. Overall sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV) and positive predictive value (PPV) were 78.5%, 99.4%, 70.2% and 99.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lymph node FNA is a very specific and accurate exam, which is reliable in the detection of lymph node metastasis and other causes of lymphadenopathy.

The impact of the use of the ACR-TIRADS as a screening tool for thyroid nodules in a cancer center.

BACKGROUND: The Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS) was created to assess risk of thyroid nodules through ultrasound. Plenty classifications methods for thyroid nodules have already been created, but none of them have yet achieved global utilization. This study analyzed the performance of the American College of Radiology (ACR) TIRADS, its reproducibility and the impact of its utilization as a screening method in a large Cancer Center cohort. METHODS: Thyroid nodules which underwent fine-needle aspiration (FNA) in a 1-year period were selected, with their ultrasound images retrospectively classified according to the ACR TI-RADS. Cytological evaluation of the nodules and final histology (whenever available) was used to assess risk of neoplasm (RON) and risk of malignancy (ROM) associated to each ACR-TIRADS category. Further analyses were also carried out according to recommendation or not of FNA by the ACR-TIRADS and nodule size. Inter-observer agreement for the system was also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 1112 thyroid nodules were included. RON for each category according to final cytological diagnosis was 0% for TR1 and TR2, 2.1% for TR3; 15.6% for TR4 and 68.9% for TR5. No significant difference was observed between the RON of the categories for cases above or below 1.0 cm. Nodules that met the criteria for FNA had 3 times greater chance of a positive outcome. Substantial agreement (kappa 0.77) was seen between two different observers. CONCLUSIONS: ACR TI-RADS scoring system has demonstrated to be an accurate method to stratify thyroid nodules in a Cancer Center, with a high reproducibility.

Cytopathology smears from autopsies: A viable storage method for molecular analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cytology appears to be a viable option to histological samples for proper storage and maintenance of autopsy material for DNA extraction and analysis. In the present study, we tested the feasibility of using archived air-dried smears produced at the time of the autopsy for simple molecular analysis, comparing quantity and quality of the DNA extracted from the smears to that of correspondent histological specimens. METHODS: Air-dried cytological smears were obtained from scrapings of exactly the same areas collected for histological study. DNA was extracted using a commercially available protocol from all samples, with calculation of purity ratio and overall concentration. The integrity of the extracted DNA was also verified through conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Five cases of lung tumours (2 small cell carcinomas and 3 adenocarcinomas) were collected. Percentage of tumour cells and necrosis ranged from 30% to 90% and from 10% to 40%, respectively, in the cytological preparations, and from 50% to 90% and from 10% to 80%, respectively, in the histological preparations. Purity ratio (260/280) had a median of 1.87 in cytology vs 1.94 in histology. Mean DNA concentration among the cytological preparations was 2653 ng/mL (range 1684-3980 ng/mL) vs 757.2 ng/mL among the histological preparations (range 456-1829 ng/mL. DNA from all five cases of cytology was successfully amplified by conventional PCR, in contrast to none from the histology specimens. CONCLUSIONS: Archived air-dried smears scraped from tumoural lesions in autopsies have proven to yield a good concentration of quality DNA for conventional PCR, with better results than formalin-fixed paraffin embedded material.

Experience on the use of The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytopathology: review of the published literature.

INTRODUCTION: The Paris System for Reporting Urinary Cytology (TPS) was first published in 2016 with clear objectives to standardize cytologic diagnostic criteria and provide uniform reporting, in order to improve patient stratification and associated clinical management. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the performance of TPS and review the literature published since TPS was introduced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Original articles focusing on the utilization and performance of TPS in urinary cytology specimens were identified using PubMed for publications from January 2016 to July 2020, using the keywords "Paris System", "urine cytology", and "urinary cytology". RESULTS: Twenty-three relevant articles in the literature regarding the use of TPS were included in the review from a total of 30,802 urine cytology specimens, of which 21,485 (69.8%) had available diagnoses. Distribution of cases among categories ranged from 50.5% to 95.3% for negative for high-grade urothelial carcinoma (NHGUC), 1.2% to 23% for atypical urothelial cells (AUC), 0.2% to 6.6% for suspicious for high-grade urothelial carcinomas (SHGUC), and 2.2% to 14.1% for high-grade urothelial carcinomas (HGUC). The calculated risk of high-grade malignancy (ROHM) ranged from 8.7% to 36.8% for NHGUC, 12.3% to 60.9%% for AUC, 33.3% to 100% for SHGUC, and 58.8% to 100% for HGUC. Mean ROHM weighted by sample size was calculated at 15.7% (±7.8%), 38.5% (±14.3%), 76.2% (±17.2%), and 88.8% (±12.7%) for NHGUC, AUC, SHGUC, and HGUC, respectively. Reported sensitivity of TPS ranged from 40% to 84.7%, specificity from 73% to 100%, PPV from 62.3% to 100%, and NPV from 46% to 90%. CONCLUSIONS: The application of TPS in the selected series has improved the screening and surveillance potential of urine cytology, while reducing high rates of indeterminate diagnoses, improving sensitivity and providing proper risk stratification for patients.

Global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cytopathology practice: Results from an international survey of laboratories in 23 countries.

BACKGROUND: To the authors' knowledge, the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on cytopathology practices worldwide has not been investigated formally. In the current study, data from 41 respondents from 23 countries were reported. METHODS: Data regarding the activity of each cytopathology laboratory during 4 weeks of COVID-19 lockdown were collected and compared with those obtained during the corresponding period in 2019. The overall number and percentage of exfoliative and fine-needle aspiration cytology samples from each anatomic site were recorded. Differences in the malignancy and suspicious rates between the 2 periods were analyzed using a meta-analytical approach. RESULTS: Overall, the sample volume was lower compared with 2019 (104,319 samples vs 190,225 samples), with an average volume reduction of 45.3% (range, 0.1%-98.0%). The percentage of samples from the cervicovaginal tract, thyroid, and anorectal region was significantly reduced (P < .05). Conversely, the percentage of samples from the urinary tract, serous cavities, breast, lymph nodes, respiratory tract, salivary glands, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, liver, and biliary tract increased (P < .05). An overall increase of 5.56% (95% CI, 3.77%-7.35%) in the malignancy rate in nongynecological samples during the COVID-19 pandemic was observed. When the suspicious category was included, the overall increase was 6.95% (95% CI, 4.63%-9.27%). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a drastic reduction in the total number of cytology specimens regardless of anatomic site or specimen type. The rate of malignancy increased, reflecting the prioritization of patients with cancer who were considered to be at high risk. Prospective monitoring of the effect of delays in access to health services during the lockdown period is warranted.

Value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. METHODS: Prospective cohort study that included 52 patients during a 2-year period (2016 to 2018) who underwent EBUS-TBNA. RESULTS: Among the 52 individuals submitted to the procedure, 22 (42.31%) patients were diagnosed with locally advanced lung cancer (N2 or N3 lymph node involvement). EBUS-TBNA confirmed the diagnosis of metastases from other extrathoracic tumors in the mediastinum or lung in 5 patients (9.61%), confirmed small cell lung cancer in 3 patients (5.76%), mediastinal sarcoidosis in 1 patient (1.92%), and reactive mediastinal lymph node in 8 patients (15.38%); insufficient results were found for 3 patients (5.76%). Based on these results, EBUS-TBNA avoided further subsequent surgical procedures in 39 of 52 patients (75%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 86%, 100%, 100%, 77%, and 90%, respectively. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-TBNA is a safe, effective, and valuable method. This technique can significantly reduce the rate of subsequent surgical procedures required for the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions.

Value of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) in the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions. METHODS: Prospective cohort study that included 52 patients during a 2-year period (2016 to 2018) who underwent EBUS-TBNA. RESULTS: Among the 52 individuals submitted to the procedure, 22 (42.31%) patients were diagnosed with locally advanced lung cancer (N2 or N3 lymph node involvement). EBUS-TBNA confirmed the diagnosis of metastases from other extrathoracic tumors in the mediastinum or lung in 5 patients (9.61%), confirmed small cell lung cancer in 3 patients (5.76%), mediastinal sarcoidosis in 1 patient (1.92%), and reactive mediastinal lymph node in 8 patients (15.38%); insufficient results were found for 3 patients (5.76%). Based on these results, EBUS-TBNA avoided further subsequent surgical procedures in 39 of 52 patients (75%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 86%, 100%, 100%, 77%, and 90%, respectively. No major complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: EBUS-TBNA is a safe, effective, and valuable method. This technique can significantly reduce the rate of subsequent surgical procedures required for the diagnosis of lung and mediastinal lesions.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Avaliar a importância da ecoendoscopia endobrônquica com punção por agulha fina (Ebus-TBNA) no diagnóstico das lesões pulmonares e mediastinais. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo e do tipo coorte, no qual foram incluídos 52 pacientes, durante o período de dois anos (2016 a 2018), submetidos ao procedimento de Ebus-TBNA. RESULTADOS: Do total de 52 indivíduos submetidos ao procedimento, 22 (42,31%) pacientes foram diagnosticados com neoplasia pulmonar localmente avançada (N2 ou N3). O método confirmou o diagnóstico de metástases de outros tumores extratorácicos no mediastino ou pulmão em cinco pacientes (9,61%), três pacientes (5,76%) com carcinoma de pequenas células, um paciente (1,92%) com sarcoidose, oito pacientes (15,38%) com linfonodomegalias reacionais/inflamatórias e resultado insuficiente em três pacientes (5,76%). O Ebus-TBNA evitou a realização de outros procedimentos cirúrgicos subsequentes em 39 de 52 (75%) pacientes. Foram calculados os valores de sensibilidade de 86%, especificidade de 100%, valor preditivo positivo de 100%, valor preditivo negativo de 77% e acurácia de 90%. Não foram observadas complicações maiores pelo método neste estudo. CONCLUSÃO: O Ebus-TBNA é um método seguro, eficaz e de relevante importância. Este exame pode reduzir significativamente o número de procedimentos invasivos subsequentes necessários para o diagnóstico das lesões pulmonares e mediastinais.

Should we wait 3 months for a repeat aspiration in non-diagnostic/indeterminate thyroid nodules? A cancer centre experience.

INTRODUCTION: The Bethesda System recommends repeat fine needle aspiration (rFNA) as a management option for nodules classified under the non-diagnostic (ND) and atypia of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) categories. We evaluated the impact of an rFNA in diagnostic resolution and the role of early (≤3 months) vs delayed (more than 3 months) rFNA of nodules initially diagnosed as ND and AUS/FLUS. METHODS: We retrospectively collected all thyroid FNA performed in a 4-year period with repeat aspiration. For cases initially signed out as ND or AUS/FLUS, diagnostic resolution was defined as a change to a Bethesda System category other than these two on rFNA. Comparison and regression models were fitted to identify the impact of time of rFNA on diagnostic resolution. RESULTS: In total, 184 cases were initially assigned as ND and 143 as AUS/FLUS, with overall diagnostic resolution rates for the reassessment of these nodules calculated at 70.1% and 62.9%, respectively. For ND cases, time of rFNA was not significantly associated with diagnostic resolution (P > .05). For AUS/FLUS nodules, however, repeat aspiration performed in more than 3 months after the initial diagnosis was 2.5 times more likely to achieve a resolution in diagnosis than early rFNA (P = .024). CONCLUSIONS: Repeat aspiration of ND and AUS/FLUS nodules helped define diagnosis for the majority of cases, being highly effective in determining correct patient management. For AUS/FLUS nodules, repeat aspiration performed more than 3 months after the initial diagnosis was associated with a higher diagnostic resolution.

Suspicious for Malignancy Diagnoses on Pleural Effusion Cytology.

OBJECTIVES: A definitive diagnosis of malignancy may not be possible in pleural effusions. We report our experience with the diagnosis of suspicious for malignancy (SFM) in pleural effusion. METHODS: A search for pleural effusions diagnosed as SFM (2008-2018) was performed. Patient records and pathology reports were reviewed. Specimens were subdivided into groups depending on volume (<75, 75-400, >400 mL). Diagnoses of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) served as controls. RESULTS: We identified 90 patients, with a mean age of 60.6 years. Diagnoses included suspicious for involvement by carcinoma/adenocarcinoma in 64.4%, leukemia/lymphoma in 15.6%, melanoma in 2.2%, sarcoma in 3.3%, germ cell tumor in 1.1%, and not otherwise specified in 13.3%. Immunostains were performed in 47.8% and considered inconclusive in 24%. Average sample volume was 419 mL. There was a statistically significant difference between the SFM vs MPE groups for volumes greater than 75 mL (P = .001, χ 2 test), with SFM having increased proportion of volumes  greater than 400 mL, compared with the MPE group. There was no statistically significant difference in mean overall survival when the groups were compared (P = .49). CONCLUSIONS: Samples with low cellularity, scant cell blocks, and inconclusive immunostains may contribute to a suspicious category diagnosis in pleural effusions.