The validity of Pap smear parameters as predictors of endometrial pathology in menopausal women.

Abstract

Cytopathologists recognize that certain Pap smear findings are suspicious for endometrial pathology in menopausal women. To study their prognostic importance in the directed cervical smear, six parameters were used to evaluate smears for evidence of an endometrial lesion: the presence of (1) histiocytes, (2) multinucleated histiocytes, (3) nonspecific inflammation, (4) bleeding, (5) elevated squamous cell maturation index, and (6) the degree of cytologic atypicality of endometrial glandular cells, expressed as a "score" from 0 to 6. Clinical pathologic correlation of 102 women with these parameters was undertaken. A multivariable statistical analysis determined which of these six parameters was most predictive of an endometrial lesion. Cytologically "scored" endometrial glandular cells was the only parameter predictive of endometrial pathology. Its emergence as the sole prognostic cervical Pap smear parameter for endometrial pathology has not been previously reported. This predictive value was consistent even with control for bleeding history and age. Appropriate interpretation of abnormal Pap smear findings contributes substantial diagnostic information in the evaluation of the endometrium.