Aneurysmal bone cyst: fine-needle aspiration findings in 23 patients with clinical and radiologic correlation.

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is an osseous mass lesion that accounts for 1% of primary bone tumors. We describe 23 cases of ABC initially evaluated by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB). In 4 cases, the ABC was secondary to another primary tumor. Aspirates from 6 cases (26%) were insufficient. Twelve aspirates diagnosed as ABC by FNAB were confirmed as ABC by histologic examination. The accuracy of FNAB was 82% when cases insufficient for evaluation were excluded. One case diagnosed as ABC cytologically was subsequently found to be metastatic carcinoma. In another, the specimen was interpreted as ABC vs giant cell tumor. In the remainder, a diagnosis of ABC was favored cytologically. Owing to the nonspecific findings, ABC cannot be definitively diagnosed by FNAB. However, the presence of typical clinical and radiographic features in conjunction with a blood-rich, mesenchymal cell containing aspirate devoid of overtly malignant cells strongly suggests the diagnosis of ABC.

Fine needle aspiration of pancreatic cysts: Use of ancillary studies and difficulty in identifying surgical candidates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ancillary biochemical testing after pancreatic cyst fine needle aspiration (FNA) in the clinical setting. STUDY DESIGN: Findings from 110 pancreatic guided FNA were reviewed cysts evaluated by image- and correlated with histology, clinical follow-up and biochemical analysis of cyst fluid and serum. Adequate followup was available for 95. RESULTS: In terms of identifying cysts requiring surgery, FNA showed 55.3% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 92.9% positive predictive value (PPV) and 64.4% negative predictive value (NPV). FNA showed only nonspecific cyst contents in 51% of cases, but 40% of those patients proved to be surgical candidates at follow-up. Overall, patients with lesions requiring surgery were younger (p = 0.14), more often presented with pain (p = 0.006), had larger cysts (p = 0.05) and less often had a history of chronic pancreatitis (p = 0.12). Among cases in which FNA showed only nonspecific cyst contents, patients with lesions requiring surgery were more often female (p = 0.08), were younger (p = 0.10), had larger cysts (p = 0.06) and had pain at presentation (p = 0.02). Differences in fluid and serum analytes were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: FNA of pancreatic cysts shows high specificity but poor sensitivity, even with cyst fluid and serum biochemical analysis. FNA of cysts requiring surgery often yielded nonspecific cyst cytology and causing a misinterpretation as pseudocysts. Ancillary biochemical analysis of cyst fluid remains problematic in the clinical setting.

Cytomorphology of yolk sac tumor of the liver in fine-needle aspiration: a pediatric case.

Yolk sac tumors (YST) in extragonadal locations are rare. Cytologic diagnosis of YST on fine-needle aspiration (FNA) smears may be a challenge to the cytopathologist. Further neo-adjuvant therapy may be based on cytologic diagnosis making accuracy important. We studied FNA material from a hepatic mass in a pediatric patient to further define the cytomorphologic features of hepatic YST. Features include large pleomorphic balls of tumor cells with high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios, papillary or microglandular pattern of growth, cytoplasmic and intranuclear vacuoles, and prominent nucleoli. Positive immunohistochemical studies included alpha-fetoprotein, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, and CAM 5.2, which are useful in supporting the diagnosis. We report a pediatric patient in whom the diagnosis of hepatic YST was made by cytologic, histologic, and immunohistochemical studies. The subsequent liver biopsy was consistent with the FNA diagnosis. Our findings may further help to characterize the cytomorphologic features of this rare lesion.

Pancreatic and bile duct brushing cytology in 1000 cases: review of findings and comparison of preparation methods.

BACKGROUND: Duct brushing cytology is an important tool in evaluation of the extrahepatic biliary tract and large pancreatic ducts. The emergence of neoadjuvant therapies underscores the importance of accurate preoperative diagnosis by noninvasive means. Liquid-based preparation methods, such as ThinPrep, have become popular for nongynecologic cytology specimens. METHODS: Findings from bile and pancreatic duct brushings were reviewed over the 10-year period of 1994-2003. Cytologic material, imaging reports, and clinical data were reviewed and pathologic and clinical follow-up data were obtained. The slides were prepared by direct smear only (18.8%), direct smear plus cytospin (14.4%), or direct smear plus ThinPrep (66.8%). RESULTS: A total of 1118 specimens were identified (1008 bile duct, 110 pancreatic duct) from 864 patients. The cytologic findings were: 53.5% negative, 16.5% malignant, 18.2% suspicious for malignancy, 11% atypical/inconclusive, 0.8% inadequate. Follow-up in the form of either histology or at least 6 months clinical observation was available for 82.2% of cases (n = 971). Overall operating characteristics were: 52.6% sensitivity, 99.4% specificity, 98.9% positive predictive value, 67.1% negative predictive value, and 75.7% accuracy. Diagnostic agreement between cytology and follow-up was the main variable analyzed. Agreement was significantly affected by characteristics of the sampled lesion, with ductal narrowing having the lowest rate of malignancy. In addition, the ThinPrep method showed superior sensitivity and accuracy compared with other preparation methods (P = .02). Nonsignificant associations were noted for patient age and gender, site of lesion, and the presence of either stones or prior stent. CONCLUSION: In a large dataset from a single institution, brushing cytology showed modest sensitivity and high specificity. Diagnostic agreement was considerably better for benign cases. The combination of direct smear and the ThinPrep method showed superior sensitivity and accuracy.

Clear cell hidradenoma: a mimic of metastatic clear cell tumors.

Clear cell hidradenoma is a benign skin appendage tumor that may mimic conventional-type renal cell carcinoma. Histologically, clear cell hidradenoma contains small ductular lumens, focal apocrine and squamoid change, and a less prominent vascular pattern than renal cell carcinoma. Furthermore, immunohistochemical studies can aid in distinguishing the 2 tumors. Knowing the cytologic features of primary skin adnexal neoplasms helps distinguish them from cutaneous metastases, which are more commonly referred for fine-needle aspiration biopsy evaluation. Detailed clinical history, physical findings, and ancillary studies are essential for correct diagnosis and categorization of these tumors. We report the rare case of a patient with renal cell carcinoma who underwent excision of an axillary clear cell hidradenoma, which was clinically suggestive of cutaneous metastatic disease.

The value of fluorescence in situ hybridization and polymerase chain reaction in the diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma by fine-needle aspiration.

CONTEXT: Molecular genetic analyses have been predicted to improve the diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of routine molecular genetic assays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), in the diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma by fine-needle aspiration (FNA). DESIGN: A multiparametric method, including cytology, flow cytometry, PCR, and FISH, was prospectively evaluated in the diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma by FNA. Aspirates from 30 consecutive patients with suspected hematolymphoid malignancies were collected. All aspirates were triaged through a uniform program including cell-size analysis, B- and T-cell clonality studies, flow cytometric immunophenotyping, and bcl-1 and bcl-2 gene rearrangements by PCR and FISH. After completion of FNA evaluations, FNA results were compared with diagnoses from prior or subsequent surgical biopsies. RESULTS: Monoclonal B-cell populations were detected in 18 of 20 B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas by flow cytometry and PCR. bcl-1 gene rearrangement was detected in 2 of 2 cases of mantle cell lymphoma. bcl-2 rearrangement was detected in 5 cases including 4 of 4 low-grade follicular lymphomas and 1 transformed follicular lymphoma. By incorporating the results of molecular genetic and ancillary diagnostics, a definitive classification was reached in 12 cases of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma by FNA, including all cases of low-grade follicular lymphoma (4/4) and mantle cell lymphoma (2/2) and approximately 50% of small lymphocytic lymphoma (2/4) and large B-cell lymphoma (4/8). Ten of the 12 cases with a final classification reached by FNA had either prior or follow-up surgical biopsies, and all 10 cases showed agreement between the diagnoses rendered on FNA and surgical biopsies. CONCLUSIONS: With proper handling and management of specimens, FNA can routinely provide samples adequate for molecular genetic studies, in addition to cytomorphology and flow cytometry, making it possible to consistently render accurate and definitive diagnoses in a subset of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. By incorporating FISH and PCR methods, FNA may assume an expanded role for the primary diagnosis of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of endometrioid adenofibroma of the ovary.

We report the fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology findings of endometrioid adenofibroma arising in the ovary of a 60-year-old woman who presented with vaginal bleeding. Imaging studies revealed a large pelvic mass, which was sampled by computed tomography-guided FNA and core biopsy. The FNA yielded cellular smears composed of bland endometrioid cells and fragments of ovarian-type stroma. The core biopsy showed a biphasic process comprising bland endometrioid glands in a spindle-cell stroma. Immunohistochemical studies performed on the core showed the stroma to be CD10-negative and smooth muscle actin-positive. Subsequent resection of the tumor confirmed the diagnosis and revealed an adenocarcinoma arising in the tumor that was not sampled by FNA. To our knowledge, the cytologic features of ovarian endometrioid adenofibroma have not been previously described.

Nodal melanocytic nevi in sentinel lymph nodes. Correlation with melanoma-associated cutaneous nevi.

Melanocytic nevi occurring in lymph nodes create diagnostic difficulty by mimicking metastases. Few studies describe nodal nevi in sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) excised for melanoma. We evaluated 72 cases in which patients had undergone SLN biopsy for melanoma. Lymph nodes and cutaneous melanomas were evaluated according to a standard protocol. Nodal nevi were identified in 8 patients (11%). Of these, 6 (75%) had an associated cutaneous nevus (P = .006). Of 21 patients with an associated nevus, 4 (19%) with nodal nevi had a cutaneous nevus with congenital features (P = .01). The incidence of nodal nevus correlated with a Breslow thickness greater than 2.5 mm (P = .02). Nevi were not seen in non-SLNs. Nodal nevi appear more frequently in patients with melanoma-associated cutaneous nevi, particularly if congenital features are present. The increased frequency of nodal nevi in SLNs relative to non-SLNs suggests an etiology of mechanical transport of nevus cells.

E-cadherin-negative primary small cell carcinoma of the breast. Report of a case and review of the literature.

Primary small cell carcinoma of the breast is exceedingly rare, with fewer than 25 reported cases. The case presented herein is that of a 61-year-old woman with a 2.5-cm mass of the left breast. She underwent mastectomy with axillary node dissection. Histologic examination revealed sheets and nests of small, hyperchromatic, malignant cells with indistinct nucleoli and scant cytoplasm. High-grade solid and comedo ductal carcinoma in situ also was present. Two of 5 axillary lymph nodes contained metastatic disease. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated weak immunoreactivity for cytokeratin, neuron-specific enolase, and bcl-2. This histologic and immunohistochemical profile was consistent with that of a primary small cell carcinoma. Interestingly, this neoplasm lacked immunoreactivity for E-cadherin. E-cadherin expression has been documented in all 11 (100%) of 11 previously reported cases of primary small cell carcinoma of the breast, suggesting that this tumor is a form of ductal carcinoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of E-cadherin-negative small cell carcinoma of the breast, which raises the question of a possible lobular histogenesis in some of these neoplasms.

Intraoperative imprint cytologic evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for lobular carcinoma of the breast.

BACKGROUND: The evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) from a woman with lobular cancer of the breast is frequently challenging. Intraoperative imprint cytology (IIC) is equivalent to frozen sectioning for rapid SLN evaluation and is advantageous because it is rapid, reliable, cost-effective, and conserves tissue. Metastatic lobular carcinoma is difficult to identify in SLN because of its low-grade cytomorphology, its tendency to infiltrate lymph nodes in a single cell pattern, and because individual cells can resemble lymphocytes. We are unaware of any large published studies, using any technique, to evaluate SLN for lobular carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective review of the intraoperative imprint cytology results of 678 SLN mapping procedures for breast carcinoma was performed. From this cohort, we studied SLN from cases of lobular carcinoma. These SLN were evaluated intraoperatively by either bisecting or slicing the SLN into 4-mm sections. Imprints were made of each cut surface and stained with hematoxylin and eosin and/or Diff-Quik. Permanent sections were evaluated with up to 4 hematoxylin and eosin-stained levels and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. IIC results were compared with final histologic results. RESULTS: Sixty-one cases of pure invasive lobular carcinoma were identified. Sensitivity was 52%, specificity was 100%, accuracy was 82%, negative predictive value was 78%. No statistically significant differences in sensitivity, specificity or accuracy were identified for the intraoperative detection of lobular carcinoma versus ductal carcinoma. The sensitivity for detecting macrometastases (more than 2 mm) was better than for detecting micrometastases, 73 versus 25%, respectively (P = 0.059). CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of IIC are similar to that of intraoperative frozen section evaluation. Therefore, IIC is a viable alternative to frozen sectioning when intraoperative evaluation is required. If SLN micrometastasis is used to determine the need for further lymphadenectomy, more sensitive intraoperative methods will be needed to avoid a second operation.

Hepatic adenomatosis in glycogen storage disease type Ia: report of a case with unusual histology.

Hepatic adenomatosis is a well-known complication of glycogen storage disease type Ia (von Gierke disease). Although most of these tumors have an appearance similar to sporadic hepatocellular adenomas, unusual histologic features have been reported, including Mallory hyaline, varying degrees of fibrosis, and aggregates of neutrophils. We report the fourth case of Mallory hyaline in the adenomas of glycogen storage disease type Ia in a 28-year-old woman undergoing segmental hepatectomy for enlarging liver nodules. Other prominent findings included steatohepatitis and nonspecific granulomatous inflammation--2 findings that are commonly seen in sporadic adenomas but not, to our knowledge, previously reported in glycogen storage disease type Ia.

Intraoperative analysis of sentinel lymph nodes by imprint cytology for cancer of the breast.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of lymphatic mapping techniques for breast carcinoma has made intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) attractive, because axillary lymph node dissection can be performed during the initial surgery if the SLN is positive. The optimal technique for rapid SLN assessment has not been determined. Both frozen sectioning and imprint cytology are used for rapid intraoperative SLN evaluation. METHODS: A retrospective review of the intraoperative imprint cytology results of 133 SLN mapping procedures from 132 breast carcinoma patients was performed. SLN were evaluated intraoperatively by bisecting the lymph node and making imprints of each cut surface. Imprints were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Diff-Quik. Permanent sections were evaluated with up to four H&E stained levels and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. Imprint cytology results were compared with final histologic results. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of imprint cytology were 56% and 100%, respectively, producing a 100% positive predictive value and 88% negative predictive value. Imprint cytology was significantly more sensitive for macrometastasis than micrometastasis 87% versus 22% (P = 0.00007). Of 13 total false negatives, 11 were found to be due to sampling error and 2 due to errors in intraoperative interpretation. Both intraoperative interpretation errors involved a diagnosis of lobular breast carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of imprint cytology are similar to that of frozen section evaluation. Imprint cytology is therefore a viable alternative to frozen sectioning when intraoperative evaluation is required. If SLN micrometastasis is used to determine the need for further lymphadenectomy, more sensitive intraoperative methods will be needed to avoid a second operation.

Intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for metastatic breast carcinoma by imprint cytology.

BACKGROUND: The increasing utilization of lymphatic mapping techniques for breast carcinoma has made intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes attractive. Axillary lymph node dissection can be performed during the initial surgery if the sentinel lymph node is positive, potentially avoiding a second operative procedure. At present the optimal technique for rapid sentinel lymph node assessment has not been determined. Both frozen sectioning and intraoperative imprint cytology are used for rapid intraoperative sentinel lymph node evaluation at many institutions. The purpose of this study is to evaluate experience with imprint cytology for intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes in patients with breast cancer. METHODS: A retrospective review of the intraoperative imprint cytology results of 678 sentinel lymph node mappings for breast carcinoma was performed. Sentinel nodes were evaluated intraoperatively by either bisecting or slicing the sentinel node into 4 mm sections. Imprints were made of each cut surface and stained with H&E and/or Diff-Quik. Permanent sections were evaluated with up to four H&E stained levels and cytokeratin immunohistochemistry. Intraoperative imprint cytology results were compared with final histologic results. RESULTS: The sensitivity of imprint cytology was 53%, specificity was 98%, positive predictive value was 94%, negative predictive value was 82% and accuracy was 84%. The sensitivity for detecting macrometastases (more than 2mm) was significantly better than for detecting micrometastases (

Intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for metastatic melanoma by imprint cytology.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has revolutionized lymph node staging in patients with malignant melanoma. Intraoperative evaluation is a new addition to the SLN procedure that allows for a one-step regional lymph node dissection to be performed when the SLN biopsy findings are positive. To date, several studies have evaluated the use of intraoperative frozen sectioning to evaluate the SLN in patients with melanoma. The literature pertaining to the use of intraoperative imprint cytology (IIC) to evaluate the SLN in melanoma patients is scant and to the authors' knowledge studies published to date are relatively small. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the utility of IIC in patients undergoing SLN for melanoma. METHODS: A total of 235 SLN biopsies from 93 patients with malignant melanoma and 3 patients with atypical Spitz nevi were examined by IIC after SLN biopsy using a double indicator technique. The SLNs were bisected and a pair of imprints were made from each half. One imprint from each half was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) whereas its counterpart was stained with Diff-Quik. Paraffin-embedded permanent sections were examined using multiple H & E stained sections from the SLNs in conjunction with immunohistochemical staining for S-100 and HMB-45 proteins. RESULTS: A total of 235 SLNs were excised from 93 patients (2.5 SLNs per patient). On a per patient basis, metastases were identified in 21 patients (23%) on permanent section evaluation. Of these 21 patients, 8 were detected by IIC (sensitivity of 38%). The negative predictive value was 85%. No false-positive results were identified (specificity of 100%). The positive predictive value was 100%. The overall accuracy of the intraoperative evaluation was 86%. Patients found to have positive SLNs by IIC went on to undergo lymphadenectomy under the same anesthetic. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of IIC are similar to those of intraoperative frozen-section evaluation. Therefore, IIC appears to be a viable alternative to frozen sectioning when intraoperative evaluation is required. IIC evaluation of SLN makes a single surgical procedure possible for patients with malignant melanoma who are undergoing SLN.

Neutrophil-rich Ki-1-positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a study by fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is an accurate, cost-effective method of evaluating lymphomas. The neutrophil-rich variant of anaplastic large cell lymphoma (NR-ALCL) is a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma. To our knowledge, we present thefirst study of NR-ALCL by FNAB cytology. Histologic confirmation was available for both patients. Both cases were positive for Ki-1 (CD-30) and were either T-cell or null-cell phenotype. FNAB specimens were highly cellular with a single-cell pattern composed of pleomorphic tumor cells, "hallmark" tumor cells, and a background rich in neutrophils that occasionally obscured tumor cells. Diagnosis on FNAB is difficult owing to the rarity of this tumor, its resemblance to Hodgkin lymphoma and other non-Hodgkin lymphomas that express CD30, its similarity to an infectious process, and its occasional confusion with metastatic carcinoma and melanoma. Reproducible cytologic features usually are present, and the diagnosis can be made conclusively by FNAB in conjunction with ancillary studies.

Intraoperative evaluation of lumpectomy margins by imprint cytology with histologic correlation: a community hospital experience.

BACKGROUND: Several well-controlled studies have demonstrated significantly increased local recurrence rates in patients with low-stage breast carcinoma treated with breast conservation therapy in whom focally positive margins were not reexcised. Imprint cytology is a rapid technique for evaluating surgical margins intraoperatively, thus allowing reexcisions to be performed during the initial surgery. The large majority of studies on the use of intraoperative imprint cytologic examination of breast conservation therapy margins have been performed at university-based academic centers. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of intraoperative imprint cytologic evaluation of breast conservation therapy margins in a community hospital setting. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the intraoperative imprint cytology margins of 141 lumpectomy specimens that had been obtained from 137 patients between May 1997 and May 2001. RESULTS: We evaluated 758 separate margins. On a patient basis, the sensitivity was 80%, the specificity was 85%, the positive predictive value was 40%, the negative predictive value was 97%, and the overall accuracy was 85%. There were no cytologically unsatisfactory margins. CONCLUSION: Imprint cytology is an accurate, simple, rapid, and cost-effective method for determining the margin status of breast conservation therapy specimens intraoperatively in the community hospital setting. This method allows a survey of the entire surface area of the lumpectomy specimen, which is not practical using frozen section evaluation.

Intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for breast carcinoma: current methodologies.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an important new addition to the surgical management of patients with breast carcinoma. Sentinel nodes have a higher chance of containing metastases than do nonsentinel nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy provides an opportunity to stage breast carcinoma patients more accurately and to modify subsequent treatment. One of the most exciting current roles of sentinel lymph node biopsy is the ability to stage patients intraoperatively, allowing a one-step axillary lymph node dissection if the sentinel lymph node contains metastatic carcinoma. Currently, intraoperative evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes is performed using imprint cytology with or without rapid cytokeratin staining, frozen sectioning with or without rapid cytokeratin staining, scrape preparations, or some combination of these techniques. We review the relative strengths and weaknesses of these different methodologies. A great deal of controversy exists regarding the management of patients with metastatic breast carcinoma, particularly those patients with occult and micrometastatic disease. These issues are beyond the scope of this article.

Cytologic features of clear cell sarcoma (malignant melanoma) of soft parts: a study of fine-needle aspirates and exfoliative specimens.

We describe the cytologic features of clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue (CCS) in 11 fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens and 6 exfoliative specimens from 11 patients. In 3 patients, FNAB was the initial method of tumor evaluation. In 6 of 11 cases, immunostaining with S-100 or HMB-45 was evaluated. Electron microscopic evaluation was performed in 1 case. Both the FNAB and exfoliative specimens varied in overall cellularity, although reproducible cytologic features were identified. A significant diagnostic pitfall, namely the potential of CCS to form microacinar structures mimicking adenocarcinoma, is described with particular reference to CCS metastatic to regional lymph nodes. A rare case of the granular cell variant of CCS is illustrated as well. Owing to the rarity of CCS, the diagnosis on cytologic smears is extremely difficult and is aided substantially by pertinent clinical data. The diagnosis can be made conclusively by