Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Outcomes in Children With Wilms Tumor With Caval Thrombus: A Single Center Experience.

AIM: The aim of our study is to present our experience in the management and outcome of Wilms tumor with intracaval thrombus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All children with Wilms tumor with intracaval thrombus who presented to us from July 2000 to December 2017 were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated the tumor stage, management, and outcomes in these patients. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients were included in the study. The median age of presentation was 48 months (11 to 84 mo). Preoperative chemotherapy was given in 32 (94%), with a median duration of 8 weeks. Intracaval thrombus completely resolved in 9 (26%) children after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Surgical intervention for residual inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombus was performed in 32 patients. The median follow-up was 30 months (5 to 150 mo). At the last follow-up, 24 patients (70%) were alive and disease free. The 5-year overall survival (OS) and event-free survival were 67% (95% confidence interval, 50% to 84%) and 59% (95% confidence interval, 42% to 76%). The OS in children with nonmetastatic disease (94%) was significantly higher than those with metastases (29%; P <0.01). The OS in children with complete resolution of IVC thrombus (100%) was significantly higher than those with persistent thrombus (48%; P =0.025). Analysis of survival outcomes in children with nonmetastatic disease (stage III) revealed no significant difference on comparison with cohort with stage III disease with absence of IVC thrombus. The P -value was 0.224 and 0.53 for 5-year OS and event-free survival, respectively. CONCLUSION: The management of Wilms tumor can be complicated by the presence of caval thrombus. Patients with metastasis have a significantly poor outcome. Patients in whom, there is complete resolution of intracaval thrombus on neoadjuvant chemotherapy have a significantly higher OS.

Cytomorphology of paediatric hepatocellular carcinoma: A useful diagnostic adjunct.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common primary malignancy of the liver but is rare in the paediatric age group; thus, it may be misdiagnosed as the more common tumour, hepatoblastoma. Management varies in both these tumours, and pathological diagnosis thus plays an important role for definitive therapy. Only a few case reports available in the literature have described the cytological characteristics of paediatric HCC. The present study was thus planned to evaluate the cytomorphological features of paediatric HCC. METHODS: Cases diagnosed with HCC on ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology over a period of 14 years were retrieved. The cases were evaluated for detailed cytological features including cellularity, architecture, sinusoidal wrapping, trabecular thickness, necrosis, anisonucleosis, chromatin, nucleoli, nuclear contours, bi- or multinucleation, intranuclear and intracytoplasmic inclusions, naked nuclei, extra-medullary haematopoiesis, monomorphism, and nuclear overlapping. RESULTS: Twelve cases of HCC were included in the study. The median age at diagnosis was 10 years. Serum alpha-fetoprotein level was raised in most of them. Five of the 12 cases were characterised as moderately differentiated, three as poorly differentiated, two as well differentiated, and two as the fibrolamellar type of HCC. Cytohistological correlation was performed in seven cases. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration serves as a useful tool to diagnose paediatric HCC and differentiate it from other primary hepatic malignancies, especially hepatoblastoma which closely mimics HCC in this age group, as serum alpha protein levels and imaging findings are unable to distinguish these two tumours.

Pediatric Primary Yolk Sac Tumour of the Kidney: Recommendations for Pretreatment Diagnosis.

Introduction Although nephroblastomas are frequently treated without prior biopsy, there are the occasional other pediatric renal tumors that require different management. In the literature, there are around 30 primary renal germ cell tumors (GCT), including four cases of Yolk sac tumor (YST). We present another primary renal YST.Case report: A five-year-old boy was diagnosed as Wilms tumor on radiology and needle biopsy. He received chemotherapy, with no response. The post-chemotherapy resection specimen revealed a YST.Conclusion: Renal YST may be indistinguishable from Wilms tumor clinically and radiologically. For pre-biopsy chemotherapy management protocols, serum tumor markers such as AFP may be recommended to identify the occasional GCT, including YST. Pre-chemotherapy needle biopsies may lead to misdiagnosis, and may require confirmation by an experienced pathologist or central review.

Differential expression of miRNA in histological subtype of Wilms tumor.

INTRODUCTION: Wilms tumor is the most common renal malignancy in children and difficult to differentiate from other paediatric abdominal tumors radiologically, necessitating an invasive procedure for diagnosis. Previous studies have shown the potential role of miRNA as biomarkers for diagnosis, histological subtyping and prognosis. In this study, we are exploring the role of miRNA in the histological subtyping of Wilms tumor in the Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 cases of Wilms tumor were evaluated for global miRNA expression analysis by microarray. Total RNA was extracted from fresh frozen tumor and miRNA expression analysis was performed using Agilent platform. Unsupervised clustering was done to analyse the data. RESULTS: Using unpaired student T test, top 10 significantly differentially expressed miRNA were selected which could differentiate among different histological subtypes by unsupervised hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis. The presence of necrosis, heterologous differentiation led to change in miRNA expression profile and led to a distinct cluster formation. CONCLUSIONS: A panel of 5 miRNAs (miR1, 133b, 299-3p, 499a-5p, 491-3p) could differentiate among different histological subtypes of Wilms tumor, thus avoiding an invasive procedure in children, however, further confirmation using real time PCR analysis will be needed.

Comparison of Cisplatin Monotherapy and PLADO in the Management in Children with Standard-Risk Hepatoblastoma in a Resource-Challenged Nation.

Background: Recent SIOPEL studies have shown cisplatin monotherapy to be equally effective in management of Standard risk Hepatoblastoma (SRHB)as compared to PLADO. Aims and Objectives: To study the chemotherapy, response and outcomes in children with SRHB. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted and all children with SRHB who presented to us from June 2007 to December 2017 were included. All patients with standard risk hepatoblastoma who had received at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy were included. Data regarding the demographics, PRETEXT stage, chemotherapy, response to chemotherapy and outcomes were recorded. Kaplan Meier survival analysis was performed to calculate 5 year overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS). Results: Thirty two children were included in the study. The disease was PRETEXT I in 5 (15.6%), II in 9 (28.1%) and 18 (56.2%). Nineteen children (59.4%) received Cisplatin monotherapy and of these 6 patients (all PREXT III) had poor response and the chemotherapy was upgraded to PLADO. The remaining 13 (40.6%) received upfront PLADO chemotherapy. Only 31 patients could be operated. Tumor recurred in 5 patients, 2 who had upfront PLADO and 3 patients had been upgraded to PLADO. The 5 year OS and EFS was 100% in the monotherapy group (n=13), 92% and 69% in the upfront PLADO group (n=13), and 62% and 22% in the upgraded to PLADO group (n=6). Patients with PRETEXT III disease in whom chemotherapy was upgraded to PLADO had significantly lower survival (p=0.036) compared to those who received upfront PLADO chemotherapy. Conclusion: Two thirds of patients with PRETEXT stage III who received cisplatin monotherapy showed poor response and were upgraded to PLADO chemotherapy. These patients had a significantly poorer outcome compared to the rest of the cohort. PRETEXT stage III standard-risk hepatoblastoma may benefit from PLADO chemotherapy instead of cisplatin monotherapy.

Utility of the Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology during rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) of salivary gland aspirates.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is a fine needle aspiration (FNA) technique for ensuring sampling adequacy and triaging samples. The Milan system for reporting salivary gland cytopathology (MSRSGC) is a standardised reporting system which aims to improve risk stratification. There is scant literature on the diagnostic value and agreement of MSRSGC on ROSE with final cytological diagnosis in salivary gland FNAs. We aimed to assess the concordance of MSRSCG categorisation and diagnosis on ROSE with final cytological and histological diagnosis. METHODS: This prospective study included consecutive salivary gland FNAs for which ROSE was performed over a six-month period. MSRSGC category and diagnosis on ROSE were compared with the final cytological diagnosis and MSRSGC category, and histopathological diagnosis, where available. RESULTS: Sixty salivary gland aspirates were included. The adequacy rate with ROSE was 100%. Using the MSRSGC classification during ROSE, 26 (43.2%) samples were categorised as benign neoplasm, 21 (35%) as malignant neoplasm, 9 (15%) as non-neoplastic, and one each (1.7%) belonged to the remaining four categories. MSRSGC categorisation on ROSE concurred with final the cytological diagnosis in 58/60 cases (96.7%). Discrepancies in MSRSGC categories on ROSE included one atypia of undetermined significance with final report as non-neoplastic, and one non-diagnostic as suspicious for malignancy. Good correlation of MSRSGC categories on ROSE with final histopathological diagnosis (88.9% concordance) was also noted. CONCLUSIONS: MSRSGC on ROSE shows good concordance with final cytology and histopathology diagnosis, indicating that categorisation according to MSRSGC has utility in ensuring that adequate material is obtained and triaged appropriately for the diagnosis of salivary gland aspirates.

Outcome of Children with Stage IV Wilms Tumor - Our Experience of 15 Years.

CONTEXT: Stage IV Wilms tumor is associated with poor prognosis, and recent changes in management have been suggested based on genetic markers and response to chemotherapy in this subgroup of patients. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the outcomes of children with Stage IV Wilms tumor who were managed with the AIIMS-WT-99 protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the children with Stage IV Wilms tumor who were managed by us from October 2000 to December 2012 were included in the study. All the patients who had received primary treatment elsewhere were excluded from the study. All patients were managed as per the AIIMS-WT-99 protocol. After appropriate investigations, tumors that were deemed resectable underwent an upfront surgery. Unresectable and inoperable tumors received chemotherapy after cytological confirmation of the diagnosis. Chemotherapy was administered as per the NWTS-5 study. Pulmonary and flank radiotherapy was advised to all patients. Patients with poor response to chemotherapy or with recurrence were managed with an alternative chemotherapy regimen. The outcomes that were assessed the 4-year overall survival (OS) and the 4-year event-free survival (EFS). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Kaplan-Meier survival estimates. RESULTS: During the study period, 219 patients with Wilms tumor were treated. Of these, 36 (16.4%) had Stage IV disease, and they formed the study group. The 4-year OS was 48% with a mean survival time of 59 months limited to 115 months (95% confidence interval: 41.3-75.9 months). The 4-year EFS was 42.4%. Patients with liver metastases had a poor outcome, whereas patients with good response to chemotherapy had a good outcome. CONCLUSION: Stage IV Wilms had a poor prognosis, and the survival rates in the index study are lower than those quoted in the literature. Although the exact reason for this poor result eludes us, these patients may benefit from the intensification of chemotherapy.

Spectrum of cytomorphological features of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type.

OBJECTIVE: Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma, nasal type (ENKTL) is an aggressive extranodal lymphoma of NK-cell or T-cell lineage. Its clinical features overlap with those of several sinonasal mass lesions. While the histopathological features are well described, diagnosis is often difficult, owing to presence of extensive coagulative necrosis, so that repeated biopsies may sometimes be necessary for correct diagnosis. Literature on cytological findings of ENKTL is limited. METHODS: Cytomorphological features of cases of histologically confirmed ENKTL having corresponding cytology samples were reviewed retrospectively, to identify distinctive features that could possibly suggest this entity. RESULTS: Aspirates from five patients were studied: four from cervical nodes, one from cheek swelling and one from pleural fluid. Two aspirates were reported as positive for malignancy, two as atypical lymphoid proliferation and one was non-diagnostic. Pleural fluid was reported as malignant, favouring a diagnosis of carcinoma. On cytology, aspirates showed medium to large cells with folded, indented nuclei and abundant pale cytoplasm, some with tongue-like cytoplasmic protrusions. A distinctive feature was presence of large loose clusters of tumour cells with arborising capillaries running through them. Interestingly, necrosis was consistently absent. Subsequent biopsies from palate (three cases) and nasal masses (two cases) confirmed the diagnosis of ENKTL. CONCLUSIONS: Suspicion of ENKTL on cytology is crucial for timely diagnosis to avoid diagnostic delay, especially when only highly necrotic biopsy samples are available. Awareness of distinctive cytomorphological features is required to make fine needle aspiration an effective diagnostic tool for initial diagnosis and for evaluation of possible recurrences.

Cytological diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A series of 47 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease affecting predominantly children and young adults but can be found in any age group. Diagnosis of LCH is often difficult and can be delayed because of its rarity. The present study highlights the cytomorphological features in a large cohort of cases. An accurate cytological diagnosis may avoid unnecessary biopsy and guide appropriate management. METHOD: Fourty seven (47) cases of LCH diagnosed on cytological material & fine-needle aspiration (FNA) over a period of 14 years (2003-2016) were retrieved from the archives. The cytological smears were evaluated and microscopic findings collected by semi-quantitative assessment done by two different pathologists RESULT: The age at the diagnosis of the patients ranged from 9 months to 28 years. The majority of cases were in the age group of 0-5 years. The most common site was head and neck region, which included cervical lymphadenopathy and scalp swelling. Two cases were diagnosed each from inguinal lymph node and bronchio-alveolar lavage (BAL). Cytological smears in the majority of the cases were moderate to highly cellular (58%) and showing abundant Langerhans cell in (72%) of cases. Areas of necrosis were seen in 38%, while 78% of cases showed giant cells. The majority of cases showed mild eosinophilia (61%), sparse lymphocytosis (83%) and mild neutrophilic infiltration (64%). There were 1-2 mitoses per 10 high power field in 12 cases (25.5%). No abnormal mitoses were identified. CONCLUSION: The presence of cells with features of Langerhans cells associated with the expression of selected immunohistochemical markers allow the diagnosis of LCH on cytological samples, sparing more invasive procedure as a biopsy.

Programmed death-ligand 1 immunoexpression in matched biopsy and liquid-based cytology samples of advanced stage non-small cell lung carcinomas.

OBJECTIVE: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) is essential in patients of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer to determine eligibility for immunotherapy. PD-L1 IHC assays have been clinically validated only on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue; however, lung cancer is frequently diagnosed on cytology. PD-L1 immunocytochemistry (ICC) has shown high concordance of immunoexpression between cytology samples and paired small biopsies. Feasibility of liquid-based cytology (LBC) smears for PD-L1 ICC has not been analysed previously. METHODS: PD-L1 ICC and IHC (clone SP263) were performed on paired LBC smears and small biopsies, respectively, in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. Cases with fewer than 100 viable tumour cells on LBC smear/biopsy were excluded from analysis. PD-L1 was interpreted positive when 25% or more tumour cells showed membranous and/or cytoplasmic protein expression of any intensity greater than background staining. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients, harbouring adenocarcinomas (50%) and squamous cell carcinomas (50%), had available bronchial brushings/washings processed as LBC smears and concurrently obtained endobronchial biopsies. PD-L1 IHC was interpreted positive in 46% (12/26) biopsies. PD-L1 ICC was interpreted positive in 35% (9/26) LBC smears, all of which were IHC-positive. No IHC-negative case was positive on cytology. The overall concordance between LBC smears and small biopsies was 88.4%. CONCLUSION: PD-L1 ICC can be performed on LBC processed smears, with certain challenges in interpretation inherent to LBC smears and their processing methods. Nevertheless, they represent a potential resource for ICC, especially when alternate histology material is not available. Future studies are required to validate the predictive value of PD-L1 ICC on LBC smears.

p40 & thyroid transcription factor-1 immunohistochemistry: A useful panel to characterize non-small cell lung carcinoma-not otherwise specified (NSCLC-NOS) category.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Accurate histopathological subtyping of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is essential for targeted therapeutic agents. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is helpful in identification of different tumour subtypes. In this study two marker approaches, one each for glandular and squamous cell differentiation was applied to maximize the proportion of accurately subtyped NSCLC not otherwise specified (NOS) tumours on small biopsy samples. METHODS: Two hundred and sixty three consecutive lung biopsies of primary lung carcinoma were prospectively studied. These were subtyped first morphologically and then by IHC for p40 and thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1). The diagnosis of NSCLC-NOS before and after addition of IHC was evaluated. Results were correlated and validated with morphologically proven cases and matched surgical specimens. RESULTS: Based on morphology, only 140 of the 263 (53.2%) cases of NSCLC were characterized, whereas 123 (46.7%) were classified as NSCLC-NOS type. With addition of IHC (p40 and TTF-1), the latter category reduced to 14.4 per cent and a sum of 225 (85.5%) cases were accurately subtyped into squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and adenosquamous carcinoma. p40 showed 100 per cent sensitivity and specificity for squamous differentiation whereas TTF-1 showed sensitivity of 85.3 per cent and specificity of 98.1 per cent. Ninety per cent correlation of morphologic subtypes was achieved with matched resected specimens. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that an approach of using only a two-antibody panel (p40 and TTF-1) might help in reduction of diagnostic category of NSCLC-NOS significantly and contribute in saving tissue for future molecular testing.

Glypican-3 mRNA expression level in Wilms tumor: correlation with histological type, stage, and outcome.

PURPOSE: To correlate expression of Glypican-3 in Wilms tumor with histopathology, stage, and outcome. METHODS: Glypican-3 mRNA expression by real-time PCR on tumor and normal germline samples from 75 fresh nephrectomies for Wilms tumor with fold change after normalization against GAPDH was compared. Survival analysis for event-free and overall survival (EFS, OS) with 2-year follow-up for Glypican-3 overexpression (>1.5 times) and clinicopathological parameters was performed. RESULTS: Glypican-3 was overexpressed in 37/75 (49.3%). It was overexpressed in 77% (10/13) cases with blastema predominance or anaplastic histology, as compared to 44% of other histologies (27/62) (p = 0.03). OS was 73 and 93%, respectively (p = 0.016), for those with and without GPC-3 overexpression. EFS was not significantly different with Glypican-3 overexpression (p = 0.11). All 5 deaths among blastema predominant tumors and 4/5 deaths among triphasic tumors had overexpressed Glypican-3. Most deaths in Stage IV, Stage III, and Stage I + II (5/7, 3/3, 1/1) had GPC-3 overexpression. On multivariate analysis, only histology and stage were found to have independent prognostic value. CONCLUSION: Glypican-3 overexpression in Wilms tumor correlates with poor OS on univariate analysis. However, only histology and stage have independent prognostic value. Glypican-3 levels may help to stratify intermediate outcome histology (triphasic) and Stage III Wilms tumors.

Utility of DOG1 Immunomarker in Fine Needle Aspirates of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. DOG1 is a sensitive and specific immunohistochemical marker for the diagnosis of GIST. To date, no study has reported the utility of DOG1 immunocytochemistry on aspirate smears. METHODS: Aspirates with a cytological diagnosis of GIST were retrieved. DOG1 immunocytochemistry was performed on aspirates with adequate material. RESULTS: 23 cases were included (11 primary, 2 recurrent, 10 metastatic). Primary tumors were most frequently located in the stomach; most metastatic tumors were in the liver. Tumor cells were arranged in cohesive clusters with high cellularity. Cells were spindled, had a low N:C ratio, and a moderate amount of cytoplasm, which was elongated and tapering. Characteristic nuclear features included elongated nuclei with blunt or tapering ends, fine chromatin, mild anisonucleosis, and longitudinal grooves. The mitotic count was low, including in metastatic tumors. DOG1 immunopositivity was noted in 57% of the cases examined. Histopathology was available in 5 cases, all diagnosed as GIST. CONCLUSION: Cytology is a sensitive investigative modality for the preoperative diagnosis and confirmation of metastasis of GISTs. In ambiguous cases, DOG1 immunocytochemistry can serve as a valuable adjunct. Cytologic assessment, however, cannot predict malignant potential of GISTs as even metastatic tumors display bland nuclear features.

Tumour morphology after neoadjuvant chemotherapy as a predictor of survival in serous ovarian cancer: an experience from a tertiary care centre in India.

Serous ovarian cancer is the most common malignant ovarian tumour. Traditional management consists of surgical resection with postoperative chemotherapy. Currently neoadjuvant chemotherapy is offered to patients with advanced stage disease. The present study aims to analyse the histomorphological alterations in serous ovarian cancer following neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Correlation of these morphological alterations with survival is also presented here. Serous ovarian cancers from 100 advanced stage cases were included; 50 were treated with pre-surgery chemotherapy. Semi-quantitative scoring was used to grade the alterations in tumour morphology. Survival data was correlated with the final morphological score. Tumour morphology was significantly different in cases treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CT group) as compared to cases with upfront surgery. The CT group cases showed more fibrosis, calcification, and infiltration by lymphocytes, plasma cells, foamy and hemosiderin-laden macrophages. The residual tumour cells had degenerative cytoplasmic changes with nuclear atypia. Patients with significant morphological response had a longer median survival, although it did not attain statistical significance in the current study. With the increasing use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in management, the pathologist needs to be aware of the altered morphological appearance of tumour. Further studies are required to establish a grading system to assess the tissue response which can be helpful in predicting the overall therapeutic outcome and the prognosis of patients.

Association of Chlamydia trachomatis infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) & cervical intraepithelial neoplasia - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the necessary cause of cervical cancer and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is considered a potential cofactor in the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). The objective of this pilot study was to determine the association of CT infection with HPV, other risk factors for cervical cancer, and CIN in symptomatic women. METHODS: A total of 600 consecutively selected women aged 30-74 yr with persistent vaginal discharge, intermenstrual/postcoital bleeding or unhealthy cervix underwent conventional Pap smear, Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) testing for HPV and CT DNA and colposcopy, with directed biopsy of all lesions. RESULTS: HPV DNA was positive in 108 (18.0%) women, CT DNA in 29 (4.8%) women. HPV/CT co-infection was observed in only four (0.7%) women. Of the 127 (21.2%) women with Pap >ASCUS, 60 (47.2%) were HPV positive and four (3.1%) were CT positive. Of the 41 women with CIN1 lesions, 11 (26.8%) were HPV positive, while two were CT positive. Of the 46 women with CIN2+ on histopathology, 41 (89.1%) were HPV positive, two (4.3%) were CT positive and one was positive for both. The risk of CIN2+ disease was significantly increased (P<0.05) by the following factors: age <18 yr at first coitus, HPV infection and a positive Pap smear. Older age (>35 yr), higher parity, use of oral contraceptives or smoking did not show any significant association with HPV or abnormal histopathology. Parity >5 was the only risk factor positivity associated with CT infection (P<0.05). INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that CT infection was not significantly associated with CIN, and most of its risk factors, including HPV infection, in symptomatic women. Longitudinal studies with carefully selected study sample would be able to answer these questions.

Spindle cell melanoma: a comparison of the cytomorphological features with the epithelioid variant.

OBJECTIVES: Fine-needle aspiration cytology serves as a rapid and cost-effective tool for the diagnosis of melanoma, especially in the recurrent and metastatic cases. The diagnosis poses a challenge due to the varied morphological patterns. Spindle cell melanoma mimics other sarcomas and carcinomas on morphology. This study highlights the cytomorphological features of spindle cell melanoma and compares them with the conventional epithelioid type. STUDY DESIGN: Cytology smears of 55 aspirates from 45 diagnosed cases of melanoma from various sites were reviewed. Histopathology correlation was done in spindle and mixed cell tumors. RESULTS: Melanomas with a pure or mixed spindle cell component occurred in 31% of the cases and in a slightly higher age group. These demonstrated prominent cellular cohesion (p < 0.0001), mild to moderate nuclear atypia and inconspicuous to small nucleoli as compared to the epithelioid variant. The presence of melanin pigment was a useful clue to the diagnosis. Most of the cases correlated well with the histomorphology. CONCLUSION: Spindle cell melanoma is a morphological variant which can be readily misinterpreted due to a lack of classical cytological features of melanoma. Hence, these are vulnerable to be misinterpreted as other neoplasms. An awareness of clinical and cytological features is important to reach the correct diagnosis.

Cytomorphological and morphometric analysis of 22 cases of Rosai-Dorfman disease: a large series from a tertiary care centre.

BACKGROUND: Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare benign idiopathic histiocytic proliferation. Most commonly reported cases are lymph nodal. Only 30-40% of cases occur in extranodal sites. Although the morphological features of RDD are well documented, there is limited information about the morphometric variations in the histiocytes of this entity. METHOD: Twenty-two cases of RDD diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were retrieved from the archives. Both Papanicolaou- and May-Grünwald-Giemsa-stained slides were available for evaluation in all cases. Nuclear area, diameter and histiocyte size were measured taking reactive histiocytes as controls. RESULTS: Among the 22 patients (male/female ratio 3:2; age range 5-55 years, mean 26 years), 3 cases were extranodal and 19 cases were nodal. The nodal sites included cervical, axillary, inguinal and submandibular lymph nodes. The extranodal sites were the retroperitoneum, mediastinum and skin. The most common clinical presentation was enlarged lymph nodes. Cytological features included numerous large benign histiocytes with emperipolesis. All the morphometric parameters were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in RDD histiocytes than in histiocytes in the reactive lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: In view of the rarity of the disease and the variable clinical presentation in RDD, accurate diagnosis is necessary. This is the first study to document the morphometric parameters of RDD histiocytes and their comparison with histiocytes in the reactive lymph node.

Pulmonary mycoses diagnosed using exfoliative cytology: infection or colonization?

OBJECTIVES: Flexible bronchoscopy with exfoliative cytology is an important tool for the diagnosis of pulmonary fungal infections. The question of colonization versus true fungal infection is of critical importance. STUDY DESIGN: A 5-year retrospective analysis of all cases of pulmonary fungal infection diagnosed using exfoliative cytology was performed. Clinical, radiological, bronchoscopy and histopathology findings were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 69 cases of mycoses were retrieved. The most common fungal organism identified was Aspergillus followed by Candida and Pneumocystis. Most cases of Aspergillus and Candida in cytological specimens presented as a pulmonary mass or endobronchial growth and were diagnosed as carcinomas in biopsy specimens, thus representing colonization. All cases of Pneumocystis with bilateral ground glass infiltrates and cryptococcosis with parenchymal mass lesion in radiology represented true infection. Histoplasma was identified in pleural fluid from a known case of lung carcinoma. CONCLUSION: Aspergillus and Candida species are the most common fungal organisms. Most of these represent colonization of malignant growths. However, true fungal infections may also present as mass lesions and may masquerade malignancy clinically. Fluid cytological examination is an important diagnostic modality for pulmonary mycoses; however, it is important to correlate results with clinical, bronchoscopy and biopsy findings for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.