RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the cytologic diagnosis obtained from the endocervical brushings (ECB) compared to the histologic information obtained from endocervical curettage (ECC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 369 patients referred for colposcopy, 105 nonpregnant women underwent conization and/or hysterectomy allowing analysis of tissue samples. The racially diverse, sociodemographically homogeneous population was 15 through 71 years old. Participants had repeat Papnicolaou smears, ECB, colposcopy (with/without directed biopsy), and ECC. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ECB and ECC for diagnosing endocervical disease were compared. RESULTS: No invasive cancers were missed by either ECB or ECC. The sensitivity of ECB was 93%, which exceeded that of ECC (62%) for detection of endocervical pathology. However, the negative predictive value of both ECB and ECC was excellent. The specificity of ECC (63%) exceeded that of ECB (25%) for detection of endocervical pathology. However, the positive predictive value of both ECC and ECB was poor. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ECB can replace ECC during colposcopic evaluation of an abnormal Papnicolaou smear.âª.