Imprint Smears Research Articles

English

BACKGROUND In the evaluation of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), determination of bone marrow involvement is an integral part of staging work up. Peripheral blood counts and examination of blood smears are also done in patients with lymphoma as part of pre-treatment investigations. METHODS A cross sectional study of 78 patients with a prior histopathological diagnosis of NHL was conducted. Peripheral blood counts were performed on an automated haematology analyser to look for various cytopenias. Peripheral blood smears and bone marrow aspirate (BMA) / imprint smears were examined in detail for atypical lymphoid cells. Bone marrow trephine biopsies of these patients were studied to assess the NHL involvement and the various patterns of involvement. Adjuvant immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed in bone marrow biopsies with scant cellularity or crush artefact to discern the marrow involvement. RESULTS Bone marrow trephine biopsy showed involvement by lymphoma in 65.4 % cases. The incidence of involvement was higher in B-cell lymphomas, especially in low grade types. The predominant pattern of involvement was interstitial pattern (41.2 %). Discordant histology between bone marrow and the primary anatomic site was found in 7.8 % of the cases, which was seen more in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas. Majority of the patients with bone marrow infiltration by NHL had anaemia (84.3 %). Bicytopenia and pancytopenia were also observed. On peripheral blood smear examination atypical lymphoid cells were present in 23 % cases. CONCLUSIONS Bone marrow examination is an important aspect in the diagnosis of NHL, because of its both prognostic and therapeutic implications. Hence, the presence of atypical lymphoid cells and other changes in the peripheral blood should be detected in these patients. KEYWORDS Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Bone Marrow Biopsy, Bone Marrow Aspirate / Imprint, Peripheral Blood Smear, Atypical Lymphoid Cells

Cytopathology of solitary fibrous tumor: a series of 34 cases

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT), a fibroblastic neoplasm characterized by a specific genetic alteration (NAB2-STAT6 fusion) and relatively specific immunohistochemical profile (STAT6/CD34 positivity), is seldom the subject of cytopathology data. We report our experience with scrape smears and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of SFT in a large patient cohort. A search was made of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases for cases diagnosed as solitary fibrous tumor (SFT). FNA biopsy smears, imprint smears, and cell blocks were performed and examined using standard technique. Thirty-four cases from 30 patients (M:F = 1.1:1; age range: 24-86 years, x = 58 years) met inclusion criteria for this study. All patients had prior or subsequent tissue confirmation of SFT. Twenty-seven (79%) specimens were FNAs, and 7 (21%) were scrape smears. Most cases (29, 85%) represented primary tumors, 4 (12%) were metastatic deposits, and 1 (3.5%) was a locally recurrent neoplasm. Sites included: pleura/lung 9 (26%), head/neck 8 (24%), lower extremity 7 (21%), trunk 4 (12%), intra-abdominal 3 (9%), upper extremity 2 (7%), and mediastinum 1 (4%). Mean tumor size was 7.2 cm (range: 1.5-19 cm). Three (9%) cases were diagnosed specifically as SFT. Remaining diagnoses were spindle cell neoplasm/proliferation 14 (41%), nondiagnostic 5 (15%), specific type of sarcoma 3 (9%), malignant round cell tumor 2 (6%), sarcoma 2 (6%), malignant tumor 2 (6%) and single cases of melanoma, pleomorphic adenoma, and mesenchymal tumor. Immunohistochemical (IHC) testing was performed in 7 of 27 (26%) cell blocks. SFT FNA cytopathology is morphologically ambiguous, overlapping with a broad array of other spindle cell proliferations. A specific diagnosis is only possible with added staining of STAT6 coupled with a set of other IHC markers.

Combined Frozen Section and Imprint Smear Assessment of Sentinel Node Improves Accuracy and Reduces False Negative Rates in Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study

Combined Frozen Section and Imprint Smear Assessment of Sentinel Node Improves Accuracy and Reduces False Negative Rates in Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study

The composition of the leukocytes of the bream of the Saratov reservoir

The composition of leukocytes reflects the species and ecological characteristics of fish, while the ratio of individual cell types reflects the functional state of the organism and the nature of the influence of biotic and abiotic stress factors. The work is devoted to the issues of hematopoiesis of the bream Abramis brama — one of the main commercial species of the Volga. The fish were caught in September 2019 at the Saratov Reservoir during a complex hydrobiological expedition aboard the Akademik Topchiev research vessel of the IBIW RAS. In total, 18 sexually mature bream were examined, caught at 3 standard trawling stations: 1 — Shirokiy Buerak, 2 — Khvalynsk, 3 — Kashpir-Rudnik. In fish, peripheral blood was sampled from the tail vein and tissues of the spleen and head kidney. Blood smears and organ imprint smears were performed for the study. The preparations were examined under a light microscope and the leukocyte formula was determined. To determine the index of the abundance of leukocytes in a peripheral blood smear, 100 visual fields were examined at different sites. The leukocyte abundance index allows the intensity of leukopoiesis to be recorded and indirectly assesses the leukocyte level in a blood volume unit. The results of the study showed that lymphocytes predominate in the leukocyte formula, a significant part are blast forms and a small percentage of granulocytes and monocytes/macrophages. The established differences depended on the structural and functional features of the organs: in the kidneys, as the main organ of hematopoiesisin teleost fish, a higher content of blast forms of cells, granulocytes and macrophages was noted, and in the spleen, which serves as a “depot” of blood, lymphocytes and macrophages. Blood, as an integral system, bears all types of cells circulating in the immune system at the moment. The intensity of leukopoiesis was higher in fish from the upper part of the reservoir.

Influence of Nature of Infant Nutrition on Formation of Body Resistance

Purpose of the Study:Assessment of the influence of the type of the adapted infant milk formula in infants on the formation of thebody resistance.Children Characteristics and Study Methods.105 virtually healthy children were examined, as follows: 35 children were breastfed(control group), 70 children were formula fed including 35 children that received NENNY with prebiotics formula based on the goatmilk (main group), 35 children – formulas based on the cow milk with probiotics and prebiotics (comparison group). The incidence rate of the acute respiratory diseases (ARD) as well as the number of the pneumonia histories in the infants were assessed,and the body resistance index was calculated. The laboratory assessment of the child body immunoresistance was carried out usingthe method of imprint smears from the nasal mucous membranes and the method of nasal washes.Results.It was determined that there were 2 times more children of the main group with no history of the acute respiratory diseases wheninfant than in the comparison group. In general, the good resistance (were sick 0-3 times a year) in the main group was registered in 82.9%of the children, while it was only 60% in the comparison group. The average number of the ARD cases per year was 2.3 ± 0.02 in the maingroup, which is 1.5 times less than in the comparison group – 3.6 ± 0.04 (p <0.05), and in 1, 3 times more than that in the control group –1.8 + 0.03 (p<0.05). In average, the resistance index was 0.28 ± 0.02 in the main group, while it was 0.36 ± 0.03 in the comparison group,and 0.25 ± 0.02 in the control group. When studying the incidence rate of the community-acquired pneumonia in the infants, it was revealedthat 2.8% of them were ill in the control group, 5.7% of them in the main group, and 8.5% in the comparison group. When feeding the childwith formulas based on the goat’s milk, the level of mucosal immunity of the nasal mucosa and enzyme systems of the intraleukocyte microbicidal system is assured, which is virtually indistinguishable from the level of immunity achieved with breastfeeding.Conclusion.Adapted NENNY with prebiotics formulas can be recommended for children who are formula fed when infant in order toincrease the body’s resistance and to reduce the incidence rate of the acute respiratory diseases and community-acquired pneumonia.

Diagnostic utility of imprint cytology of ovarian neoplasm: A cyto-histological comparison

Background: Intra-operative cytology (IOC) is a method of intra-operative pathological evaluation of cytology smears. The most important indication for IOC is to establish or confirm diagnosis rapidly. Other advantages of IOC are its simple, inexpensive, excellent preservation of cellular details, with no loss of tissues as occurs with cryostat sections and adequacy of surgical margins. Frozen sections are well established method for providing rapid and accurate intra-operative diagnosis. Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic utility of imprint cytology and assess the accuracy of imprint cytology with histopathological diagnosis obtained from ovarian neoplasm. Materials and Methods: Imprint smears were prepared immediately from all the ovariotomy specimens. The specimens were sent for histopathology along with prepared smears to categorize as benign, borderline and malignant. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were assessed. Results : Among the 99 specimens studied, 80 were benign, 9 borderline and 10 malignancy according to histopathology. We found that sensitivity, specificity, for benign lesions were 100%, 42.1% and for malignant lesions were 80%, 91.9% respectively. The overall accuracy was 89%. Conclusion : Imprint smear of ovarian neoplasm gives a rapid diagnosis with 89% accuracy against histopathology with added advantages. Imprint cytology is an adjunct to frozen section for providing an intra-operative diagnosis; however, in resource poor settings, it can be used as a stand-alone method for aiding intra-operative decision making. Keywords: Imprint smear, Histopathology, Ovarian neoplasm, Intraoperative cytology.

Rapid Intra-operative Diagnosis of CNS Lymphoma on Squash & Imprint Smears – A Boon for the Surgeon: Case Report

Primary CNS Lymphoma [PCNL] accounts for 3% of all brain tumors. Diagnosing PCNL on squash and imprint cytology is a challenge for the pathologist but a boon for the operating surgeon as the knowledge of the nature of the lesion determines the nature of surgery. We report a case of 59 years old immunocompetent male who presented with right hemiparesis and headache. MRI Brain was suggestive of Left frontal Glioma. Intra-operatively, squash cytology and imprint smears of tissue from the lesion showed scattered lymphoid cells which also exhibited perivascular cuffing. Cytology was suggestive of lymphoma with differential of an inflammatory pathology. Histopathological examination and positivity for LCA, CD 20, Bcl 2 and Mum 1 on IHC confirmed the diagnosis of Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma-Brain. It is important to distinguish lymphoma from glioma or metastasis in CNS because of totally different lines of management. Knowledge of empirical diagnosis during surgery can guide the surgeon to ensure that adequate tissue is excised so that sample for immunophenotyping or further tests is available.

Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma: combining cytopathology with molecular testing to achieve diagnostic accuracy

Advances in the genetics of soft tissue neoplasia have allowed for the diagnostic recognition of specific tumor types from small biopsy specimens, including those procured using the fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy technique. Extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm characterized by NR4A3 and, less specifically, by EWSR1 gene rearrangements. A series of EMC cytologic specimens was examined to demonstrate the diagnostic value of incorporating fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) testing in cytologic cases of suspected EMC. A search was made of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases for cases diagnosed as EMC. FNA biopsy cytology, exfoliative cytology, imprint cytology, and FISH analysis were performed and examined using standard techniques. A total of 16 cases of EMC were retrieved from 15 patients (male/female ratio, 2.8:1; mean age, 62 years). Of the 15 patients, 10 were new patients with primary tumors, 2 had locally recurrent tumors, and 4 had metastases. The sites included the extremities in 10 cases, the trunk in 4, serous effusion in 1, and a mediastinal lymph node in 1 case. The specific cytologic diagnoses were EMC (14 cases; 88%), suspicious for EMC (n = 1), and malignant cells (n = 1). All cases for which FISH testing was successfully used were specifically recognized as EMC. Aspirates and imprint smears consisted of uniformly rounded cells set in an opaque myxoid/chondromyxoid stroma (less abundant and more diaphanous in the effusion sample), sometimes arranged in short anastomosing cords. FNA of 1 case of an EMC cellular variant mimicked a malignant small rounded cell tumor. EMC can be added to the growing list of soft tissue neoplasms that are specifically recognizable using cytopathology, coupled with judicious application of ancillary molecular testing.

Expression of Bcl-2 in Imprint Smears of Endometrial Carcinoma

The aims of this study were to determine the expression of Bcl-2 in endometrial adenocarcinomas in imprint smears as an alternative technique rather than the frozen section and to correlate the results with clinicopathologic parameters of primary untreated endometrial cancer patients. One hundred twenty-six patients with endometrial carcinoma were evaluated with samples freshly resected after a total abdominal hysterectomy during a 29-month period. One hundred two cases were type I and 24 type II endometrial adenocarcinomas. Positive expression of Bcl-2 was observed only in type I and in low grade carcinomas. Immunocytochemical findings from Bcl-2 stain, appeared to be a valuable predictor of endometrial cancer diagnosis and postoperative prognosis in most cases in endometrial cytology with imprint smears. Furthermore, positive expression of Bcl-2 was related to morphologic features of less aggressiveness (pathogenetic type I, low-grade, early advanced stage, deep myometrial involvement <1/2 or not) tumors.

Expression of cyclooxygenase-2 in imprint smears of endometrial carcinoma.

Worldwide, endometrial carcinoma is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women and a considerable cause of death. The aims of this study were to determine the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in endometrial adenocarcinoma in imprint smears as an alternative technique and to correlate the results with clinicopathologic parameters of primary untreated endometrial cancer patients. One hundred twenty-six patients with endometrial carcinoma were evaluated with samples freshly resected after a total abdominal hysterectomy during a 29-month period. The cytologic imprint smears were obtained by touching the cut surface of cancer tissues and the expression of COX-2 was assessed by immunocytochemistry. The positive expression of COX-2 in malignant cells, was accompanied by morphologic features of more aggressiveness (pathogenetic type II, advanced clinical stage, mainly high grade, deep myometrial involvement >1/2) tumors and the affected from the disease lymph nodes cases showed higher positivity (41.2%) than the non-affected (13.4%). Immunocytochemical findings from COX-2 stain in cancer cells could be a predictor of prognosis in most cases in endometrial cytology with imprint smears. Furthermore, positive expression of COX-2 in cancer cells was related to morphologic features of more aggressiveness tumors.

Cytopathology of classic type epithelioid sarcoma: a series of 20 cases and review of the literature

As a rare soft tissue malignancy, epithelioid sarcoma (EpS) is infrequently subjected to cytopathologic analysis. With the exception of a few series, the cytology literature regarding EpS is largely limited to single case reports. Our purpose was to evaluate our experience with EpS, and review the literature regarding its cytopathology. A search was made of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases for cases diagnosed as EpS. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy smears and imprint smears were performed and examined using standard technique. Effusion samples were processed using liquid-based slides. Twenty cases of EpS were retrieved from 10 patients (M:F 1:1; mean age = 36 years). One patient had 5, 1 patient had 3, and 3 patients had 2 separate specimens. All patients had prior or subsequent tissue confirmation of EpS; all were of the classic/distal type. Seven were new patient cases, 7 were locally recurrent, and 6 were metastases. Sites included lower extremity (8 cases), upper extremity (4), trunk (4), serous effusion (2), scalp (1), and mediastinum (1). Specific cytologic diagnosis were EpS (13 cases), sarcoma not otherwise specified (5), and malignant neoplasm (2). All cases where cell-block SMARCB-1 staining was used were specifically recognized as EpS. Cytomorphology was composed primarily of epithelioid/plasmacytoid cells having eccentrically positioned nuclei, moderate cytoplasm, and variable nuclear pleomorphism. The cytopathology of EpS is somewhat variable, morphologically non-specific, and mimics that of other neoplasms with epithelioid features. Ancillary immunostaining is necessary for a specific diagnosis in newly encountered patients.

Cytopathology of Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinoma: a report of 5 cases

Xp11.2 translocation-associated RCC (Xp11RCC) defined by molecular alterations involving TFE3 genetic rearrangements constitutes a large percentage of primary renal neoplasms in children, but less than 4% of adult cases. Fewer than 10 single case reports constitute the English cytopathology literature regarding this neoplasm. Our objective is to describe and illustrate the cytopathology of this uncommon renal neoplasm from a series of 5 cases using cytologic imprints, effusion specimens, and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. Review was made of our cytopathology and surgical pathology databases. FNA biopsy smears and imprint smears were performed using a standard technique. Effusion samples were processed using liquid-based slides. Five cytologic specimens from 4 patients with histopathologically confirmed Xp11RCC were identified (mean age: 36 years) over a period of 7 years. All cases contained large cells with voluminous amounts of vacuolated cytoplasm arranged in non-descript clusters and as single forms. A "tigroid" pattern consisting of linear strips of detached cytoplasm was seen in both imprint smear cases and the single FNA case. Psammomatous calcifications, true papillary structures, and hyaline globules were absent in all cases. Four examples were diagnosed as Xp11RCC, but 3 represented metastatic disease, and 1 was diagnosed using both cytology and core needle tissue histopathology. The remaining case was diagnosed nonspecifically as a clear cell malignant neoplasm. The cytopathologic features of Xp1RCC are relatively nonspecific, and overlap with other renal cell carcinoma subtypes. A definitive diagnosis is only possible with ancillary immunohistochemistry with or without additional TFE3 fluorescence in situ hybridization.

A CYTOLOGICAL STUDY OF IMPRINT SMEARS (TOUCH PREPARATION CYTOLOGY) TO EVALUATE THE TOXICITY OF METAL-CONTAINING NANOPARTICLES IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS

Introduction. Touch preparation cytology is a well-known technique widely used in clinical practice. It can be also applied for an express assessment of cyto-morphological effects of metal-containing nanoparticles in experimental animals. Material and methods. We’ve studied 144 imprint smears (of the liver, kidneys, lungs, tracheobronchial and mesenteric lymph nodes) taken from 52 rats, weighed 280-300 g, aged 3.5 months. This was done following a subchronic intraperitoneal administration of TiO2, Al2O3, and SiO2 nanoparticles, in a range of doses, and a subacute (5-times) inhalational exposure to 1 mg/m3 NiO NPs. Leishman stain was used. Cytological markers were studied at х100/х1000 magnification, using a Carl Zeiss Primo Star microscope, with a USCMOS camera for visualization. The count was done for every 200 cells of lung, liver and kidney specimens and for every 100 cells of lymph node tissue. The differences between the group means (in case of quantitative results) were analyzed using a Student’s t-test. The differences between the group means were considered statistically significant if the probability of those differences being accidental didn’t exceed 5% (р &lt; 0,05). Results. We report the principal results obtained in a cytological study of imprint smears (touch preparations) of rat organs following the exposure to metal-containing nanoparticles. The main types of cellular responses were determined. Degenerative and dystrophic changes were observed in touch preparations of the liver, kidneys, and lungs following administration of nanoparticles in a range of doses and by various routes of exposure. Hyperergic inflammatory responses were seen upon the exposure to nickel oxide nanoparticles. A local cellular immune response was observed as an increase of macrophage percentage in imprint smears of some organs. Conclusion. The use of touch preparation cytology together with histological examination of tissue specimens expand opportunities for a more relevant morphological and quantitative analysis when studying the toxic effects of metal-containing nanoparticles.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ЦИТОЛОГИЧЕСКОГО МЕТОДА ИССЛЕДОВАНИЯ МАЗКОВ У ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНЫХ ЖИВОТНЫХ ДЛЯ ОЦЕНКИ ТОКСИЧЕСКОГО ДЕЙСТВИЯ МЕТАЛЛОСОДЕРЖАЩИХ НАНОЧАСТИЦ

Introduction. Touch preparation cytology is a well-known technique widely used in clinical practice. It can be also applied for an express assessment of cyto-morphological effects of metal-containing nanoparticles in experimental animals. Material and methods. We’ve studied 144 imprint smears (of the liver, kidneys, lungs, tracheobronchial and mesenteric lymph nodes) taken from 52 rats, weighed 280-300 g, aged 3.5 months. This was done following a subchronic intraperitoneal administration of TiO2, Al2O3, and SiO2 nanoparticles, in a range of doses, and a subacute (5-times) inhalational exposure to 1 mg/m 3 NiO NPs. Leishman stain was used. Cytological markers were studied at х100/х1000 magnification, using a Carl Zeiss Primo Star microscope, with a USCMOS camera for visualization. The count was done for every 200 cells of lung, liver and kidney specimens and for every 100 cells of lymph node tissue. The differences between the group means (in case of quantitative results) were analyzed using a Student’s t-test. The differences between the group means were considered statistically significant if the probability of those differences being accidental didn’t exceed 5% (р < 0,05). Results. We report the principal results obtained in a cytological study of imprint smears (touch preparations) of rat organs following the exposure to metal-containing nanoparticles. The main types of cellular responses were determined. Degenerative and dystrophic changes were observed in touch preparations of the liver, kidneys, and lungs following administration of nanoparticles in a range of doses and by various routes of exposure. Hyperergic inflammatory responses were seen upon the exposure to nickel oxide nanoparticles. A local cellular immune response was observed as an increase of macrophage percentage in imprint smears of some organs. Conclusion. The use of touch preparation cytology together with histological examination of tissue specimens expand opportunities for a more relevant morphological and quantitative analysis when studying the toxic effects of metal-containing nanoparticles.

Evaluation of Role of Intraoperative Cytology Technique in Diagnosis and Management of Cancer.

Context:Intraoperative pathological assessment provides valuable information in a patient's diagnosis and management. Touch imprint/crush cytology is simple, rapid, and cost-effective. Also, imprint smears give excellent cytomorphology.Aims:To assess the utility and feasibility of intraoperative cytology technique as a rapid and reliable method for diagnosis and to compare sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy with histopathology.Materials and Methods:Cytology smears were collected intraoperatively from 52 cases of suspected/proven malignancy. From tumors, surgical margins, lymph nodes; crush, imprint, and scrape smears were prepared. Smears were taken from specimens before formalin fixation and stained with rapid ultrafast Papanicolaou stain. The slides were compared with the histopathology report which is the gold standard.Statistical Analysis:Sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy were used for statistical analysis.Results:Intraoperative cytology report could be given in time for the surgeon to modify margins of resection and the extent of lymph node dissection. It helps the surgeon to modify surgery. The diagnostic test evaluation showed satisfactory results.Conclusion:Intraoperative imprint/crush cytology is a simple, inexpensive, rapid, accurate cytodiagnostic technique in the diagnosis of cancer where frozen section facilities are not available. It can also be used to assess the clearance of surgical margins.

Diagnostic utility of imprint cytology of endoscopic gastric biopsy: A cyto-histo correlation study

Background: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a common procedure done for suspected cases of gastric malignancies. Histopathological examination of gastric tissue has been a gold standard for the diagnosis. Imprint smears of the gastric biopsy specimen is a useful and rapid alternative diagnostic tool. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of gastric biopsy imprint cytology as compared to the histopathology.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Imprint smears were made from all cases of gastric biopsy specimens taken from suspected cases of gastric malignancies. They were evaluated by three pathologists and categorized in to negative for malignancy, suspicious of malignancy and positive for malignancy. The diagnosis given by imprint smears was compared with histopathology. With the help of sensitivity, specificity &amp; accuracy and Kappa score, the agreement between the imprint smear and histopathology was determined.&#x0D; Results: Among the total 79 cases, 49 cases were chronic non specific gastritis and 22 were adenocarcinoma. The sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy of gastric biopsy imprint smear were 92.0%, 98.11% and 94.93% respectively. Kappa core was 0.88.&#x0D; Conclusions: The gastric biopsy imprint smears is a rapid diagnostic tool and can be used routinely as an adjunct to histopathology in the diagnosis of gastric malignancies.

Correlation between transbronchial lung biopsy and lung cytology

Respiratory diseases are an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although conventional histopathology is the gold standard for their diagnosis, cytology is a useful adjunctive diagnostic test.In the present study we evaluated the efficacy of cytology in providing a rapid diagnosis. We included lesions which were both visible and not visible on bronchoscopy. We evaluated the role of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), brush cytology and imprint smears both separately and in combination, and compared them with the histopathological findings of transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB). Among 100 cases the highest concordance was seen between imprint cytology (77.78%) and biopsy for malignancy, followed by bronchoalveolar lavage (40.91%) and brush cytology (40.00%). The concordance and level of agreement between cytology and biopsy was very poor in general for non-neoplastic lesions. However, it increased when BAL and imprint smears (42.50%) were performed together, compared to other combinations.We recommend a combination of cytological techniques in suspected cases of malignancy, as more useful than a single test, and to include imprint smears in all cases. However, biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis in non-neoplastic lung disease.

Diagnostic Role of Lymphnode Imprint: A Cyto-histopathological Correlation

Introduction: Lymphadenopathy is a very common condition for which excision biopsy is often recommended when fine needle aspiration cytology is not conclusive. Lymph node imprint cytology is a useful and rapid alternative diagnostic tool. This study was conducted to assess the accuracy of lymph node imprint cytology as compared to the histopathology.Materials and Methods: Imprint smears were made from all cases of lymphadenopathy. The smears were evaluated by three pathologists and categorized into, inflammatory lesions and primary and metastatic tumors. Imprint smears were made from lymph node excision specimens and were stained with PAP and MGG stains. The diagnosis in imprints was compared with those given by histopathology. With the help of sensitivity, specificity &amp; accuracy, the agreement between the imprint smear and histopathology was determined.Results: Among the total 92 cases, 40 (43.4%) cases were chronic non-specific lymphadenitis, 22 (23.9%) were tuberculosis and metastatic lesions each. The overall accuracy of lymph node imprint cytology was 96.73%, 96.74%, 96.74% and 100% for tuberculosis, chronic non-specific lymphadenitis, lymphoma, and metastatic lesions respectively.Conclusions: Lymph node imprint smears is a rapid diagnostic tool and can be used routinely as an adjunct to histopathology in the diagnosis of various lymph node disorders.

Comparison of Bone Marrow Aspiration Cytology, Touch Imprint Cytology and Bone Marrow Biopsy for Bone Marrow Evaluation at a Tertiary Health Care Institute

Introduction: Bone marrow examination is an important investigation in haematology which involves Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA), Bone Marrow Imprint (BMI) and Bone Marrow Biopsy (BMB). Aim: Correlation of findings of bone marrow aspiration and imprint smears with biopsy in hematological disorders. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study to correlate bone marrow examination findings by BMA, BMI and BMB of 111 patients in which bone marrow biopsy was done and correlated with aspirate and imprint smears. For aspiration Salah's needle and for biopsy Jamshidi needle were used. Correlation of hematological and histopathological findings was done. Results: Megaloblastic anaemia was the commonest diagnosis followed by acute leukemia, nutritional anaemia, chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia/lymphoma syndrome, and essential thrombocythemia. In case of dry aspirate or diluted marrow biopsy was useful to diagnose aplastic anemia, and secondary myelofibrosis associated with acute and chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia/lymphoma syndrome and myelomonocytic leukemia. Aspirate and imprint smears were better for cellular morphology. Conclusion: Aspiration and imprint smears give better morphological details/cytologic diagnosis. In dry tap or diluted marrow, biopsy was more helpful in identifying architectural pattern, cellularity and fibrosis whereas imprint smears were more helpful for cellular morphology. BMA, BMI and BMB are complimentary to each other.Introduction: Bone marrow examination is an important investigation in haematology which involves Bone Marrow Aspiration (BMA), Bone Marrow Imprint (BMI) and Bone Marrow Biopsy (BMB). Aim: Correlation of findings of bone marrow aspiration and imprint smears with biopsy in hematological disorders. Materials and Methods: It was a prospective study to correlate bone marrow examination findings by BMA, BMI and BMB of 111 patients in which bone marrow biopsy was done and correlated with aspirate and imprint smears. For aspiration Salah's needle and for biopsy Jamshidi needle were used. Correlation of hematological and histopathological findings was done. Results: Megaloblastic anaemia was the commonest diagnosis followed by acute leukemia, nutritional anaemia, chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia/lymphoma syndrome, and essential thrombocythemia. In case of dry aspirate or diluted marrow biopsy was useful to diagnose aplastic anemia, and secondary myelofibrosis associated with acute and chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, leukemia/lymphoma syndrome and myelomonocytic leukemia. Aspirate and imprint smears were better for cellular morphology. Conclusion: Aspiration and imprint smears give better morphological details/cytologic diagnosis. In dry tap or diluted marrow, biopsy was more helpful in identifying architectural pattern, cellularity and fibrosis whereas imprint smears were more helpful for cellular morphology. BMA, BMI and BMB are complimentary to each other.

Leishmania infection in lagomorphs and minks in Greece.

Greece is an endemic country for human and canine leishmaniosis. Studies about the role of lagomorphs and minks in the epidemiology of the diseases are, so far, limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of Leishmania infection in these animals, in different areas of the country. Samples from 393 domestic and wild rabbits, 90 hares and 200 minks were collected and examined by cytology (spleen imprints) and serology (ELISA), while spleen samples of 116, 56 and 95 of the rabbits, hares and minks, respectively, were examined by a PCR assay targeting the ITS1 region. For every animal examined a form was created, recording information like date, area, animal species, sex, etc. All imprint smears examined were negative, while serology revealed infection in 7.6% (C.I. 5.0-10.3%) rabbits, 6.7% (C.I. 1.5-11.8%) hares and 20% (C.I. 14.5-25.5%) minks. Infection was confirmed by molecular methods in 2.6% (C.I. 0.0-5.5%), 3.6% (C.I. 0.0-8.4%) and 2.1% (C.I. 0.0-5.0%) of the animals, respectively. The statistical analysis showed that minks are most likely to be seropositive and that in rabbits, the breeding method (i.e. homestead reared animals) was associated with infection. Because of the proximity of lagomorphs and minks to humans and dogs it is necessary to further elucidate their role in the epidemiology of leishmaniosis.