Neuroendocrine tumor of the liver in pregnancy: A very rare case report.

Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) of the liver represent a rare entity. Amongst this group of uncommon diseases primary hepatic neuroendocrine neoplasm (PH-NEN) represent only 0.3% of all NENs. Moreover, PH-NEN has very rarely been reported in pregnancy. We report a 28-year-old young patient with metastatic small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the liver complicated with pregnancy. She was evaluated and managed through a multidisciplinary team approach and received two cycles of chemotherapy with a cisplatin/etoposide regimen during the antenatal period and delivered at 37 weeks period of gestation (POG). This case highlights the importance of major challenges faced during the diagnosis and management of this very rare disease in pregnancy and the successful fetomaternal outcome.

Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of Clinical and Environmental Isolates of Aspergillus Species From a Tertiary Care Center in North India.

INTRODUCTION: Aspergillus species are ubiquitously found in the environment worldwide and are important causative agents for infection. Drug resistance among Aspergillus species is emerging, hence the present study was undertaken to look for antifungal susceptibility profiles of clinical and environmental isolates of Aspergillus species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period from January 2018 to June 2019, a total of 102 Aspergillus isolates (40 clinical, 40 hospital, and 22 community environment) were tested for antifungal susceptibility testing for determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum effective concentration (MEC) as per Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) M38-A3 method for itraconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B, and caspofungin. RESULTS: Out of these 102 Aspergillus isolates, A. flavus was the most common species present. Aspergillus species were found to have low MIC values to azoles such as itraconazole and voriconazole except for one clinical isolate, which showed a MIC value of 2 µg/ml to voriconazole. Two isolates were non-wild-type for amphotericin B, but all isolates were wild-type for caspofungin. CONCLUSION: Antifungal susceptibility testing among clinical Aspergillus isolates and environmental surveillance studies in view of emerging drug resistance should be undertaken at a larger scale.

Mucormycosis: Cytomorphological Spectrum in Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology.

Background: Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that can affect multiple organs. The role of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in its diagnosis is not well documented. Aim: The objective of this study was to describe the detailed cytomorphologic features of mucormycosis on FNAC samples. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of all cases diagnosed as mucormycosis on FNAC between January 2014 and July 2021 was performed for detailed cytomorphological evaluation and correlation to clinical data and microbiological studies wherever available. FNA was computed tomography-guided (n = 38), ultrasonography-guided (n = 31) or palpation-guided (n = 12), and slides were reviewed in two cases. Results: A total of 83 cases of mucormycosis were evaluated. An immunocompromised setting was observed in 48 cases. The most common site of FNA was the lung (n = 57) followed by liver, soft tissue, palate, mediastinum, orbital/ocular region, and lymph node. Isolated renal involvement, a unique feature, was seen in seven cases. The aspirates were necrotic to pus-like or blood-mixed particulate. Broad, nonseptate, foldable, ribbon-like fungal hyphae showing right-angled branching were seen. The tissue reaction was predominantly necro-inflammatory (n = 36), bland necrotic (n = 22), mixed inflammatory (n = 16), suppurative (n = 5), necrotizing granulomatous (n = 3), and granulomatous (n = 1). Immunocompromised patients showed mixed inflammatory responses more frequently. Fungal culture was positive for Rhizopus species in 2/13 cases and molecular testing in two additional cases corresponding to Rhizopus and Syncephalastrum spp. Conclusion: FNA provides quick and conclusive diagnosis of mucormycosis from varied anatomic sites enabling prompt institution of therapy. The tissue response is variable and to some extent dependent on the immune status of the patient.

Artificial Intelligence: Exploring utility in detection and typing of fungus with futuristic application in fungal cytology.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging, transforming and revolutionary technology that has captured attention worldwide. It is translating research into precision oncology treatments. AI can analyse large or big data sets requiring high-speed specialized computing solutions. The data are big in terms of volume and multimodal with the amalgamation of images, text and structure. Machine learning has identified antifungal drug targets, and taxonomic and phylogenetic classification of fungi based on sequence analysis is now available. Real-time identification tools and user-friendly mobile applications for identifying fungi have been discovered. Akin to histopathology, AI can be applied to fungal cytology. AI has been fruitful in cytopathology of the thyroid gland, breast, urine and uterine cervical lesions. AI has a huge scope in fungal cytology and would certainly bear fruit with its accuracy, reproducibility and capacity for handling big data. The purpose of this systematic review was to highlight the AI's utility in detecting fungus and its typing with a special focus on future application in fungal cytology. We also touch upon the basics of AI in brief.

Cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical characterization of pediatric pleuropulmonary blastoma with a comprehensive review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare, aggressive, primary intrathoracic malignancy typically seen in infancy and early childhood. Accurate distinction from congenital cystic lung lesions is crucial due to significant prognostic and therapeutic differences. Cytologic features have rarely been described. Establishing a cytodiagnosis is challenging owing to its rarity, lack of awareness, and multiple morphologic mimics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted over 8 years. The histopathology and cytopathology databases were searched for all pediatric PPB cases. The corresponding cytologic samples were reviewed to identify characteristic features that can help distinguish PPB from its mimics. RESULTS: There was a total of six cases of pediatric PPB reported during the study period. Of these, four (66.7%) presented as intrathoracic, and two (33.3%) as pleural-based masses. Cytology smears showed discretely scattered and perivascular arrangements of round-oval tumor cells with background eosinophilic stromal material. The tumor cells were mildly pleomorphic (n = 3) with round nuclei, fine chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scanty cytoplasm; however, three cases showed marked anaplasia, and one each showed necrosis and rhabdoid differentiation. On immunocytochemistry (4/6), these were positive for vimentin and desmin and negative for WT1, chromogranin, SALL4, cytokeratin, CD45, and CD99. FISH (1/6) did not show N-Myc amplification. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of the characteristic cytomorphological and immunocytochemical features of PPB is vital to establish a prompt and accurate cytodiagnosis with appropriate clinicoradiologic correlation.

Opportunistic microsporidiosis unveiled by fine-needle aspiration cytology of cervical lymph node with literature review.

Microsporidia are highly specialized obligate intracellular organisms closely related to fungi, traditionally linked to diarrheal diseases in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. Over the past two decades, an increasing incidence of extraintestinal infections affecting various organ systems, especially in immunocompromised individuals, has been observed. The report presents a unique case of lymph node microsporidiosis in a 38-year-old male, positive for human immunodeficiency virus, with coinfections of hepatitis B and C. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) from cervical lymph node yielded pus-like, necrotic material with periodic acid-Schiff stained smear uncovering small round to oval spores on microscopy suspicious for microsporidia. Based on polymerase chain reaction and sequencing done with aspiration material, the causative agent was identified as Vittaforma corneae. This rare encounter highlights the significance of recognizing unique morphological characteristics of infectious organisms and employing appropriate ancillary techniques for precise identification. The case underscores the crucial role of FNAC in diagnosing opportunistic infections involving the lymph nodes and the growing significance of molecular tests for specific pathogen confirmation.

The WHO system versus the Papanicolaou society of cytopathology system for reporting pancreaticobiliary cytology for risk stratification-which is better?

BACKGROUND: Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a reporting system for pancreaticobiliary cytopathology. We applied this classification for pancreatic lesion samples by fine needle aspiration (FNA) and compared the results to the previous classification of the Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology (PSC) system for risk stratification. METHODS: The computerized database was searched for all pancreatic endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and transabdominal ultrasound-guided FNA (TUS-FNA) samples from 2016 to 2020 and cases were reassigned as per the PSC and the WHO diagnostic categories. Cases with follow-up, clinicoradiological, and/or histopathology were included in the study. The risk of malignancy (ROM) was calculated across all diagnostic categories based on clinical data, imaging data, and histopathology wherever available. RESULTS: There were a total of 625 pancreatic FNA. In 230 cases, follow-up information was available which included 116 EUS and 114 TUS-FNA samples. The ROM for PSC categories I-VI was 40%, 19.7%, 28.6%, 57.1%, 94.7%, and 97.9% and for the WHO categories (I-VII), it was 60%, 21.3%, and 35.7%, not representative, not applicable, 94.7% and 94.9%. The overall sensitivity and specificity of PSC was 68.2% and 96.2% when categories V and VI were taken as positive and 78.9% and 93.3% for WHO when categories VI and VII were taken as positive. CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatic FNA samples reported as per the WHO system showed better sensitivity as compared to the PSC system resulting in better risk stratification and consequently better patient management. The overall high specificity and moderate sensitivity reaffirm the utility of FNA in pancreatic lesions.

A rare case of infection and spontaneous rupture in ovarian mucinous cystadenoma.

Ovarian cysts exhibit variable clinical presentations depending on their size, type and resulting sequelae. Rupture of ovarian cysts is infrequent, and cyst infections are even rarer. Here, we report an unusual case involving a young, non-pregnant woman who presented acutely with features of peritonitis and sepsis and was found to have a complex adnexal mass. Following a rigorous diagnostic evaluation, which included an urgent exploratory laparotomy and salpingo-oophorectomy, common diagnoses including tubo-ovarian abscess, endometriotic cyst and pelvic tuberculosis were ruled out. Instead, she was diagnosed with an ovarian mucinous cystadenoma that had become infected, possibly due to pelvic inflammatory disease, leading to spontaneous rupture. Such a presentation has rarely been reported, especially in a non-pregnant setting. Therefore, we emphasise the importance of considering this rare complication as a potential differential diagnosis in similar clinical presentations and discuss the management implications, including the importance of adequately treating pelvic inflammatory disease.

Metastasis of solitary fibrous tumor to the parotid gland diagnosed on aspiration cytology supplemented with immunocytochemistry.

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) can occur in varied anatomic locations, most commonly being the extremities-superficial and deep soft tissues, followed by retroperitoneum, visceral organs, and the bone. Head and neck region may harbor a few with a predilection for the orbit and sinonasal tract, oral cavity, and rarely the salivary glands. The parotid gland is most involved among all salivary glands. Overall, SFT in salivary glands is rare and mostly seen as a primary tumor. The occurrence of metastasis to the parotid gland is exceedingly uncommon. We present cytological findings of SFT, metastatic to the parotid gland in a young 31-year-old lady where the diagnosis was confirmed with the help of immunocytochemistry (ICC) on the cell block. The smears were highly cellular and showed predominantly discrete round to oval tumor cells with mild pleomorphism, coarse chromatin, inconspicuous nucleoli, and scanty cytoplasm. Mitosis and focal areas of necrosis were noted. Lymphoglandular bodies were absent ruling out a non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Features were of a poorly differentiated malignant tumor with differentials being sarcoma, myoepithelial carcinoma, and carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma. A panel of ICC was done and positivity for signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) helped in clinching the correct diagnosis of SFT.

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland: Aspiration cytology with emphasis on differential diagnosis.

Most salivary gland neoplasms are of epithelial origin. Sarcomas of the parotid gland, including leiomyosarcoma, are exceedingly rare mesenchymal tumours. A definitive diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma is challenging on cytomorphology alone. We herein describe a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with parotid gland swelling. The patient was previously diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland on histopathology. Fine needle aspiration cytology was done from this recurrent swelling. Cytomorphology combined with cell block immunocytochemistry was fruitful in confirming the tumour recurrence. Primary and recurrent/metastatic leiomyosarcoma of the parotid gland is a rarity and cannot be distinguished on cytology. Such a distinction is based on the known history of prior malignancy, which was forthcoming in the present case, or after an exhaustive work-up. Pertinent clinical history and radiology provide leads for the cytopathologist. They must be sought so that immunocytochemistry can be applied judiciously and a precise/nearly precise cytological diagnosis rendered, as it guides patient management. The diagnosis is challenging on cytology as the spindle cell lesions of the parotid gland range from reactive to benign to malignant tumours.

Effusion cytology of metastatic carcinosarcoma.

Objectives: Carcinosarcomas (CSs) are rare gynecological neoplasms seen in elderly females. These are composed of malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components, which appear as adenocarcinoma and high-grade sarcoma. Effusions are encountered uncommonly in CS. Material and Methods: The study focuses on the cytomorphology of 10 cases of metastatic CS in effusions. In 6 years, there were 10 (0.45%) cases of metastatic CS in effusion samples out of 2240 malignant effusion samples. The samples were processed by SurePath™ and centrifuge technique. Both May-Grünwald-Giemsa and Papanicolaou stained smears were evaluated for cytomorphological features, and the findings were correlated with subsequent histopathology. Results: The cells were predominantly arranged in ball-like clusters and discretely. The cells had abundant vacuolated cytoplasm and enlarged pleomorphic nuclei. Occasional cases showed scattered spindle cells. The cases were diagnosed as metastatic adenocarcinoma (7/10) and positive for malignant cells (3/10). None of the cases was diagnosed as CS. The primary of these cases was in the uterus (7/10) and ovary (3/10). Conclusion: The cytological evaluation of such effusion samples rarely demonstrates the classical biphasic pattern of these tumors. Mostly, the carcinomatous component is evident, and the sarcomatous element is inapparent and readily missed.

Cytological spectrum of testicular malignancies with histopathological correlation: A retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Testicular malignancy is the most common solid organ cancer occurring in young men. The most common testicular malignancy is germ cell tumor. Extragonadal malignancies such as lymphomas are rare. Testicular fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in cancer is a bit controversial amidst fear of tumor seeding along the needle tract. Nevertheless, its largely safe, cost-effective technique providing a quick and fairly reliable diagnosis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of testicular malignancies on FNAC over a period of 9 years with cyto-histological correlation wherever possible was carried out. FNAC slides and cell blocks with immunocytochemistry wherever done were retrieved. RESULTS: A total of 74 cases were obtained. The age ranged from 1 year to 65 years. Infiltration by leukemia was the most common malignancy detected in pediatric population, while germ cell tumors were common amongst young adults and middle-aged men. In elderly, metastatic carcinoma, infiltration by lymphoma were identified. On FNAC, 38 cases were of leukemic infiltration, 27 of germ cell tumors (subtyped as mixed germ cell tumors-15 cases, seminoma-11 cases, and yolk sac tumor-1 case) with two cases each of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Leydig cell tumor, metastatic adenocarcinoma, and one case each of metastatic small cell carcinoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and malignant neoplasm. Histological correlation was available in 15/74 cases. Only 3 cases were discordant. Seeding of tumor along the needle tract was not seen. CONCLUSION: The current study deciphers the cytological spectrum of testicular malignancies on FNAC and highlights its importance as a reliable modality for a prompt diagnosis of testicular tumors guiding patient management.

EUS-guided FNAC in intra-abdominal lesions: Technique of tissue acquisition, ancillary testing, pearls and perils, and prospects.

Endoscopic ultrasound enables visualization of lesions within and in the vicinity of the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (EUS-FNAC) helps in targeting various luminal and extraluminal lesions both diagnostically and therapeutically. Various intra-abdominal organs amenable to EUS-FNA include the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), pancreas, kidney, adrenal gland, liver, bile duct, gallbladder, spleen, and lymph nodes. EUS-FNAC is mostly done for pancreatic and intra-abdominal lymph nodal lesions. In the present review, we have discussed various aspects of EUS-FNAC.

Phaeohyphomycosis: A study from tertiary health care center in North India.

Objectives: Phaeohyphomycosis refers to infections caused by phaeoid/dematiaceous or darkly pigmented fungi. This study was undertaken to further increase our knowledge about the incidence of phaeohyphomycosis and its causative agents. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted over a period of one and a half years (January 2018-June 2019) on specimens received from patients with varied clinical manifestations ranging from superficial infections, subcutaneous cysts, pneumonia, brain abscess to a disseminated infection. These specimens were processed in the Department of Microbiology for potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination and culture and in Pathology for cytology/histopathological examination (HPE). All specimens positive on direct examination for dark grey, brown or black fungi were included in the study. Results: A total of 20 specimens were confirmed as phaeohyphomycosis. Most of the patients belonged to the age group of 41 to 50 years. Male: Female ratio was 2.3:1. Trauma was the most common risk factor. Spectra of the isolated fungal pathogens comprised of Bipolaris species, Exophiala species, Curvularia geniculata, Phialemonium species, Daldinia eschscholtzii, Hypoxylon anthochroum, Phaeoacremonium species, Leptosphaerulina australis, Medicopsis romeroi, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Eutypella species, Chaetomium globosum, Alternaria species, Cladophialophora bantiana and 2 unidentified dematiaceous fungi. Recovery from phaeohyphomycosis was seen in 12 patients, 7 were lost to follow up and one patient succumbed to the illness. Conclusion: Infections caused by phaeoid fungi can no longer be viewed as rare. In fact, phaeohyphomycosis can have myriad of presentations spanning from mild cutaneous infections to fatal brain disease. Therefore, a high index of clinical suspicion is needed to diagnose such infections. The primary treatment modality remains surgical removal of the lesion in cutaneous or subcutaneous infections however disseminated disease with a guarded prognosis requires aggressive management.

Cystic hepatic metastases in treatment naïve neuroendocrine tumor: Cytomorphology clubbed with cell block immunocytochemistry clinches the diagnosis.

Cystic hepatic lesions encompass a vast spectrum of infectious, non-neoplastic, and neoplastic entities. Most hepatic cysts are benign and asymptomatic, requiring no active intervention. However, symptomatic and malignant cysts need proper evaluation and specific treatment. An accurate preoperative diagnosis is pivotal for patient management. At times, these lesions may mimic, especially symptomatology and radiology, leading to a diagnostic ordeal. We herein present a case of a patient with cystic liver lesions in a treatment naïve neuroendocrine tumor that was a diagnostic dilemma on radiology. Low cellularity of cytology smears made the diagnosis challenging, and cell block immunocytochemistry finally clinched the diagnosis. A timely diagnosis provided on cytology fuelled further work-up, the discovery of primary tumor, and initiation of appropriate therapy.