Nondiagnostic Samples Research Articles

Small renal mass biopsy – how, what and when: report from an international consensus panel

To discuss the use of renal mass biopsy (RMB) for small renal masses (SRMs), formulate technical aspects, outline potential pitfalls and provide recommendations for the practicing clinician. The meeting was conducted as an informal consensus process and no scoring system was used to measure the levels of agreement on the different topics. A moderated general discussion was used as the basis for consensus and arising issues were resolved at this point. A consensus was established and lack of agreement to topics or specific items was noted at this point. Recommended biopsy technique: at least two cores, sampling different tumour regions with ultrasonography being the preferred method of image guidance. Pathological interpretation: 'non-diagnostic samples' should refer to insufficient material, inconclusive and normal renal parenchyma. For non-diagnostic samples, a repeat biopsy is recommended. Fine-needle aspiration may provide additional information but cannot substitute for core biopsy. Indications for RMB: biopsy is recommended in most cases except in patients with imaging or clinical characteristics indicative of pathology (syndromes, imaging characteristics) and cases whereby conservative management is not contemplated. RMB is recommended for active surveillance but not for watchful-waiting candidates. We report the results of an international consensus meeting on the use of RMB for SRMs, defining the technique, pathological interpretation and indications.

Comparison of the Diagnostic Yield of Cytology and Concurrent Surgical Pathology Specimens by Novel Electromagnetic Navigation Bronchoscopy

Introduction: Rapid on-site evaluation of specimen adequacy is used at many institutions to enhance diagnostic yield. Cytology personnel began routinely performing ROSE at our institution in 2010. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of ROSE on diagnostic yield at our institution. Materials and Methods: Two 4 month time periods in which the majority of bronchoscopic cytology samples were obtained either with or without ROSE were selected. All bronchoscopic procedures were included whether or not real time image guidance was used. Image-guided modalities including fluoroscopy, endobronchial ultrasound-guided FNA (EBUS) and electromagnetic navigation bronchoscopy (ENB) were used during both periods. The pre-ROSE time period was 1/1/09-4/30/09 and the postROSE time period was 1/1/12 4/30/12. The following data were collected: final diagnosis, number of non-diagnostic samples, number of slides per case, use of ancillary testing and number of patients requiring additional procedures. Unsatisfactory/non-diagnostic samples and all atypical categories were considered non-diagnostic. All procedures after the initial procedure were considered additional until a conclusive diagnosis was rendered. Pearson’s Chi-squared test with Yates’ continuity correction was used to determine statistical significances. Results: A total of 151 procedures were performed pre-ROSE and 246 procedures post-ROSE. Specific diagnostic categories and use of ancillary testing are summarized in Table 1. Comparison of diagnostic and non-diagnostic cases and additional diagnostic procedures performed are summarized in Table 2. Conclusions: There were significantly fewer non-diagnostic bronchoscopic samples in the post-ROSE period. Use of ancillary studies increased significantly in the post-ROSE period with more malignancies given a specific cell type. The number of additional procedures performed for definitive diagnosis decreased in the post-ROSE time period. Correlation of impact of ROSE on specific imaging modalities used in bronchoscopy is warranted

Improving the quality of bone marrow assessment

Successful bone marrow assessment is essential to the diagnosis and staging of hematologic malignancies. The objective of this study was to determine whether specific operator techniques and/or use of a specimen preparation checklist could impact the quality of bone marrow assessment by reducing the frequency of nonspicular aspirates, small cores, and nondiagnostic samples. All bone marrow biopsies performed at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute from April, 2012 to September, 2012 were eligible for inclusion. Six operator techniques were linked with specimen quality in a preintervention cohort. Next, a specimen preparation checklist was implemented, and outcomes were compared from the preintervention and postintervention cohorts. In total, 830 procedures performed by 41 operators were prospectively observed and analyzed. In the preintervention cohort (n = 413), no operator technique was associated with specimen quality in multivariable models accounting for patient characteristics and operator. Compared with the preintervention cohort, in multivariable analyses, the postintervention cohort (n = 417) had decreased odds of nondiagnostic specimens (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.28-0.87; P = .01) and core lengths ≤1 cm (odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.90; P = .009), but there was no significant difference in spicularity. Variation in the operator techniques studied did not have an impact on specimen quality, but implementation of a specimen preparation checklist significantly improved core length and frequency of diagnostic samples.

Novel approach to outpatient endometrial biopsy to detect endometrial cancer.

e16522 Background: Currently there is no consensus on the best device and technique for obtaining endometrial biopsies to rule out cancer. Outpatient methods available include aspiration devices (Pipelle) and disruption devices (Tao brush). This study evaluated a new device which combines Global endometrial Disruption using a brush with a built in suction Process (GDP-Tao). Methods: After IRB approval, endometrial specimens were collected using the GDP-Tao from fresh uteri after completion of hysterectomies. Endometrial pathology results from the new device were compared to the final hysterectomy diagnosis by blinded review. Results: Patients (n = 33) were 29-86 years old (median 56), 67% obese, 52% menopausal. Uterine sounds were 2.5-11cm (median 6.6 cm), weight 45-3500g (median 238g), 15% of cervical os were stenotic but all allowed the device to pass without other instrumentation with overall diagnostic rate of 91% (30/33) 15/15 pathologically confirmed malignant specimens were correctly identified by the new device including 2 GDP-Tao specimens with atypical hyperplasia (AH) and hysterectomy pathology with AH and focal adenocarcinoma. Classifying any atypia from the GDP-Tao as “positive” then the detection rate for malignancy was 100% (PPV). 11/11 samples were benign in GDP-Tao and final pathology. There were 3 non-diagnostic (ND) samples from GDP-Tao with final pathology of benign endometrium. One specimen was ND due to absence of tissue from prior endometrial ablation. There was one device result of “proliferative endometrium” with final pathology of focal complex atypical hyperplasia and one device result of “rare atypical cells” with final diagnosis of endometrial polyp. Sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 92%, and negative predictive value was 82% for the identification of both atypical hyperplasia and malignancy. When stratified by uterine size, benign or malignant, the results were similar. Conclusions: Our validation study showed encouraging data thatthis new endometrial sampling device, which combines tissue disruption and aspiration into a single process, provides a reliable mean of obtaining adequate sample to accurately detect endometrial cancer with a high negative and positive predictive value.

OP149: Diagnostic accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology in parotid tumors

Introduction Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has gained widespread acceptance and popularity among head and neck surgeons in the assessment of neck masses. The use of FNAC in parotid gland masses is still controversial, regarding its sensitivity and specificity that vary between 41–100% and 86–100% respectively. The aim of this study To assess the sensitivity and specificity of FNAC in the diagnosis of parotid tumors compared with the final pathology, and tumor location on pre-operative computerized tomography. Methods FNAC, final pathology and CT data were retrospectively reviewed and compared for a total sum of 79 patients who underwent Parotidectomy between the years 2000 and 2010. Literature review was based on trials comparing FNAC with final histological evaluation of parotid tumors identified through an extensive Medline search of the English literature. Outcome measures analyzed included percentage of non-diagnostic samples, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and the accuracy of FNAC. Results Sensitivity of FNA in the present study (90%) was higher compared to previous series, Specificity of FNA in the present study (98%) was equally high as that calculated. Diagnostic accuracy of FNA was equally high (88%) in our study compared to previous series. Conclusions FNA should be interpreted as a complementary diagnostic tool and combined with clinical features, physical examination and imaging to increases the diagnostic yield. FNA can contribute to the diagnosis of parotid gland malignancy and should be performed in all patients especially those over 60.Ultrasound guidance is recommended in lesions smaller than 25 mm.

Needle washing increases the diagnostic yield of fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid gland

Background and objective Nodular thyroid disease is a common condition in our clinical practice, and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the diagnostic procedure of choice. Its main limitation is the number of non-diagnostic samples. Since the Bethesda criteria were implemented in 2007 (a consensus document on the morphologic criteria and diagnostic terminology for interpretation of thyroid cytological samples), a higher prevalence of non-diagnostic FNAB was shown. In addition to the standard technique, we decided to collect and centrifuge the material remaining in puncture needles by washing them in a ThinPrep® solution, and to assess the increase in the diagnostic yield of FNAB after this change. Patients and methods Systematic sampling of 168 patients who underwent FNAB at the Nutrition and Endocrinology Department of the Xeral-Cies Hospital (Vigo, Spain) from January 2010 to November 2011 was done. Patients were classified into 2 groups: 75 patients in whom the residual material in the needle was not collected (non-washing group) and 93 patients in whom the material was collected (washing-group). All FNABs were performed by the same endocrinologist. Data are shown as percentage (±standard error) for ordinal variables or as mean (±standard deviation) for quantitative variables. A Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis of comparisons between percentages, and a Student's t-test for comparisons between quantitative variables. A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results No significant differences were found between the groups in age, sex, plasma TSH levels or nodule size. The rate of non-diagnostic FNABs was 44% (±0.06) in the non-washing group and 17.2% (±0.04%) in the washing group, with a significant difference (p < 0.01). Discussion Collection and subsequent processing of the residual material in the needle after FNAB significantly decreased the prevalence of non-diagnostic punctures in our patients. Collection of the residual material in the needle in this way is strongly recommended.

El lavado de la aguja aumenta la rentabilidad diagnóstica de la punción-aspiración con aguja fina de tiroides

Background and objectiveNodular thyroid disease is a common condition in our clinical practice, and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the diagnostic procedure of choice. Its main limitation is the number of non-diagnostic samples. Since the Bethesda criteria were implemented in 2007 (a consensus document on the morphologic criteria and diagnostic terminology for interpretation of thyroid cytological samples), a higher prevalence of non-diagnostic FNAB was shown. In addition to the standard technique, we decided to collect and centrifuge the material remaining in puncture needles by washing them in a ThinPrep® solution, and to assess the increase in the diagnostic yield of FNAB after this change. Patients and methodsSystematic sampling of 168 patients who underwent FNAB at the Nutrition and Endocrinology Department of the Xeral-Cies Hospital (Vigo, Spain) from January 2010 to November 2011. Patients were classified into 2 groups: 75 patients in whom the residual material in the needle was not collected (non-washing group) and 93 patients in whom the material was collected (washing-group). All FNABs were performed by the same endocrinologist. Data are shown as percentage (± standard error) for ordinal variables or as mean (± standard deviation) for quantitative variables. A Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis of comparisons between percentages, and a Student's t test for comparisons between quantitative variables. A value of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsNo significant differences were found between the groups in age, sex, plasma TSH levels or nodule size. The rate of non-diagnostic FNABs was 44% (± 0.06) in the non-washing group and 17.2% (± 0.04%) in the washing group, with a significant difference (p < 0.01). DiscussionCollection and subsequent processing of the residual material in the needle after FNAB significantly decreased the prevalence of non-diagnostic punctures in our patients. Collection of the residual material in the needle in this way is strongly recommended.

True Negative Predictive Value of Endobronchial Ultrasound in Lung Cancer: Are We Being Conservative Enough?

Mediastinal staging in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with endobronchial ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EBUS-FNA) requires a high negative predictive value (NPV) (ie, low false negative rate). We provide a conservative calculation of NPV that calls for caution in the interpretation of EBUS results. We retrospectively analyzed our prospectively gathered database (January 2007 to November 2011) to include NSCLC patients who underwent EBUS-FNA for mediastinal staging. We excluded patients with metastatic NSCLC and other malignancies. We assessed FNAs with rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). The calculation of NPV is NPV = true negatives/true negatives + false negatives. However, this definition ignores nondiagnostic samples. Nondiagnostic samples should be added to the NPV denominator because decisions based on nondiagnostic samples could be flawed. We conservatively calculated NPV for EBUS-FNA as NPV = true negatives/true negatives + false negatives + nondiagnostic. We defined false negatives as negative FNAs but NSCLC-positive surgical biopsy of the same site. Nondiagnostic FNAs were nonrepresentative of lymphoid tissue. We compared diagnostic performance with the inclusion and exclusion of nondiagnostic procedures. We studied 120 patients with NSCLC who underwent EBUS-FNA; 5 patients had false negative findings and 10 additional patients had nondiagnostic results. The NPV with and without inclusion of nondiagnostic samples was 65.9% and 85.3%, respectively. The inclusion of nondiagnostic specimens into the conservative, worst-case-scenario calculation of NPV for EBUS-FNA in NSCLC lowers the NPV from 85.3% to 65.9%. The true NPV is likely higher than 65.9% as few nondiagnostic specimens are false negatives. Caution is imperative for the safe application of EBUS-FNA in NSCLC staging.

Intrinsic factors affecting adequacy of thyroid nodule fine‐needle aspiration cytology

To evaluate intrinsic nodule features predictive of an inadequate report in fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Single-centre cross-sectional study. Between May 2005 and April 2011, 3279 ultrasonography-assisted FNACs were carried out and features of nodules recorded prospectively. Univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between nondiagnostic cytology and variables such as age, gender, single nodule, maximum nodule diameter and estimated volume. Inadequate or nondiagnostic samples were reported in 1195 FNACs. All diameters were found to be predictors of nondiagnostic cytology; estimated nodule volume, on the other hand, was not. Nodules with a diameter <10 mm were more frequently nondiagnostic (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.40-1.94, P < 0.001). Neither micro- nor macrocalcification increased the risk of inadequacy. On the contrary, mixed lesions were more frequently diagnostic (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.85-0.80, P < 0.001). Solid nodule aspiration was performed more easily on isoechogenic nodules (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.54-0.77, P < 0.001); the same procedure was more cumbersome on hypoechogenic lesions (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.62-2.16, P < 0.001). Increased vascularization did not cause a significant increase in the nondiagnostic results. Blurred margins increased the inadequacy rate (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.24-1.69, P < 0.001), while presence of a hypoechogenic halo decreased it (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.54-0.82, P < 0.001). Some ultrasonographic features suggestive of malignancy may be predictive of inadequate cytology. Patients must be notified that the FNA report may be nondiagnostic and that this represents a limitation of the technique related to the structure of lesions.

Clinical impact of liquid‐based cytology test on diagnostic yields from transbronchial needle aspiration

Transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) is a well-established diagnostic method that is underutilized due to the relatively high percentage of non-diagnostic samples and low success rates. This study was designed to evaluate the impact of liquid-based cytology test (LBC) on the diagnostic yield from TBNA. Ninety-seven consecutive patients who underwent TBNA due to significant mediastinal adenopathy were enrolled in the study. Each target site was aspirated four times, with the first and third aspirates being prepared for LBC and the second and fourth aspirates being reserved for conventional pick-and-smear (CPS) cytology. Paired aspirates were obtained from 114 target sites, giving a total of 228 test samples from 97 consecutive patients. The overall diagnostic sensitivity of TBNA was 63.6% (56/88). The yields from small cell lung cancers were better than those from non-small cell lung cancers (P < 0.05), and TBNA of subcarinal nodes provided better diagnostic yields (P < 0.05). Nodal diameters > 20 mm on computed tomography were also associated with better yields than nodes with diameters of 10-20 mm (P = 0.001). The diagnostic sensitivity of TBNA was similar for each processing method-59.8% (61/102) for LBC and 64.7% (65/102) for CPS. LBC was not inferior to CPS with respect to diagnostic yields from TBNA, and enabled efficient pathological evaluation.

Diagnostic accuracy and safety of CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in cavitary pulmonary lesions

ObjectiveCT-guided transthoracic biopsy is a well-established method in the cytologic or histologic diagnosis of pulmonary lesions. The knowledge of its diagnostic performance and complications for cavitary pulmonary lesions is limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy and safety of CT-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in cavitary pulmonary lesions. Materials and methods102 consecutive patients with pulmonary cavitary lesions received CT-guided FNAB with use of an 18-gauge (n=35) or 20-gauge (n=67) Chiba for histology diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of FNAB were calculated as compared with the final diagnosis. Complications associated with FNAB were observed. The diagnostic accuracy and complications were compared between patients with different lesion sizes and different cavity wall thickness. ResultsThe overall sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of FNAB were 96.3%, 98.0%, and 96.1%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and diagnosis accuracy in different lesion size (<2cm vs ≥2cm), or different cavity wall thickness (<5mm vs ≥5mm) were not different (P>0.05; 0.235). More nondiagnostic sample was found in wall thickness <5mm lesions (P=0.017). Associated complications included pneumothorax in 9 (8.8%) patients and alveolar hemorrhage in 14 patients (13.7%) and hemoptysis in 1 patient (1%). No different rate of complications was found with regard to lesion size, wall thickness, length of the needle path and needle size (P>0.05). ConclusionCT-guided FNAB can be effectively ad safely used for patients with pulmonary cavitary lesions.

Percutaneous core biopsy of small renal mass lesions: a diagnostic tool to better stratify patients for surgical intervention

To further validate the safety and diagnostic accuracy of percutaneous core biopsy in small renal masses ([SRMs]≤4 cm) in response to the rising prevalence of renal 'incidentalomas'. To determine the value of percutaneous core biopsy in its ability to influence the choice of intervention or surveillance for the management of SRMs. We collected data on the incidence of benign, malignant and non-diagnostic samples from 268 SRM (clinical T1a) biopsies performed at our institution between 1998 and 2009. The diagnostic accuracy of biopsy in small renal lesions was examined in cases proceeding to nephrectomy. Follow-up on the remaining non-surgical cases was performed. SRMs (≤4 cm, clinical T1a) constituted 59% of all renal lesions diagnosed; 80% of these biopsies were diagnostic and 20% were non-diagnostic. Of the diagnostic samples, 74% were malignant and 26% were benign. Thirty-three percent (17 of the initial 52) non-diagnostic samples underwent re-biopsy, with 94% yielding a histological diagnosis on repeat sampling. Fifty-eight percent of our diagnostic masses underwent nephrectomy, returning a renal biopsy accuracy rate of 100% for identifying lesions as benign or malignant. Of the 98 observed masses, 49% were benign, 28% malignant and 23% were non-diagnostic. In 63% of these cases, size remained stable in the follow-up period. Percutaneous core biopsy continues to provide an accurate and safe tool for preoperative tissue diagnosis of SRMs and should be offered to patients before considering surgical intervention. With regard to both benign and malignant T1a renal lesions, in select patient groups, those electing to undergo observation may expect favourable short- to medium-term outcomes.

Percutaneous image-guided needle biopsy of rib lesions: a retrospective study of diagnostic outcome in 51 cases

To assess the diagnostic yield and diagnostic accuracy of image-guided percutaneous needle biopsy of rib lesions and to analyse the diagnostic spectrum of rib lesions referred to a tertiary musculoskeletal oncology centre. A retrospective review of all patients that underwent image-guided rib biopsy and/or excision during the period from 1 January 2003 to 31 July 2011. A total of 51 consecutive subjects were identified and included in this study. Image-guided percutaneous biopsy was performed using either CT (n = 43) or ultrasound (n = 8). There were 28 males and 23 females, with a mean age of 49.9 years (range 10-84 years). Forty-five of the 51 biopsies (88%) yielded a diagnostic sample, and 6 (12%) were non-diagnostic. Thirty-one of 45 (69%) lesions were malignant, and 14 (31%) were benign. The commonest malignant lesions were metastases, 16 of 31 (51.6%), and primary bone or cartilaginous tumours, 15 of 31 (48.4%). The commonest benign lesion was fibrous dysplasia (6 of 14, 43%) followed by infection (5 of 14, 36%). All non-diagnostic samples were from lesions which had no extra-osseous component, and all were subsequently confirmed as benign on rib resection. There was complete agreement between needle and surgical resection in 18 of 19 subjects (96%). Image-guided percutaneous rib biopsy has high diagnostic yield and accuracy. Intra-osseous lesions which have no associated extra-osseous component have a lower biopsy success rate.

Measurement of &lt;i&gt;TFF3&lt;/i&gt; mRNA in aspirates from thyroid nodules using mesh filtration: The first clinical trial in 130 cases

Measurement of gene expression levels in thyroid tumor cells in aspirates was difficult because it is interfered with peripheral blood cells or infiltrating lymphocytes. In this study, we established a novel method to separate thyroid tumor cells from blood cells efficiently with mesh filtration. The expression level of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) mRNA was estimated using LGALS3 mRNA as an internal control (T/G ratio) in 148 preoperative thyroid aspirates. Intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV) of T/G ratio for high, moderate, and low samples were 6.5%, 2.5%, and 9.7%, respectively, and inter-assay CV for high, moderate, and low samples were 27.7%, 21.9%, and 38.2%, respectively. Nondiagnostic samples in terms of T/G ratio and cytology were 12.2% and 16.9%, respectively. We observed no interference with the data by contaminating blood cells. Among these patients, 12 patients received more than two repeated aspirations. We did not observe a marked day-to-day variation except in two cases. All 13 preoperative aspirates diagnosed as malignant by cytology showed an extremely low T/G ratio, whereas 93 aspirates diagnosed as benign by cytology showed extremely varied T/G ratios and 21.5% of them showed a T/G ratio below the cut-off value. Eleven cases underwent surgery. All nodules showing a low T/G ratio were diagnosed as papillary carcinoma by pathological diagnosis. However, one nodule diagnosed as follicular adenoma after surgery showed a high T/G ratio. Our present method may be a promising preoperative test for measuring mRNAs in thyroid aspirates.

Chest Wall Sarcomas are Accurately Diagnosed by Image-Guided Core Needle Biopsy

Sarcomas are rare mesenchymal malignancies. Accurate preoperative diagnosis is a prerequisite in considering investigational or institutional management algorithms that include neoadjuvant treatment. We reviewed our experience using core needle biopsy for chest wall sarcomas. A retrospective review of our sarcoma databases revealed that 40 core needle biopsies and 35 tumor resections were performed in 34 patients, with chest wall musculoskeletal tumors, referred to the University of California, Los Angeles from 1991 to 2010. Primary, metastatic, or recurrent sarcomas involving the sternum, ribs, and soft tissues of the chest wall were evaluated for (1) adequacy of tissue from image-guided core needle biopsies and (2) accuracy in determining malignancy, histological subtype, and sarcoma grade. Twenty-eight of the 40 needle biopsy samples (70%) were adequate for histopathological analysis. Forty-two percent of nondiagnostic findings occurred due to insufficient tissue, whereas the remainder had sufficient tissue, but the pathologist was unable to determine specific histology. Excluding the nondiagnostic samples, the accuracy in determining malignancy, histological subtype, and grade in sarcomas was 100, 92, and 87%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of determining malignancy and high-grade sarcomas were 100, 100, 77, and 100%, respectively. There were no complications from the image-guided biopsies. We demonstrated that image-guided core needle biopsy when performed and reviewed by experienced radiologists and musculoskeletal pathologists is a safe and accurate diagnostic technique for chest wall sarcomas. Core needle biopsy should be considered in the multidisciplinary approach to chest wall musculoskeletal tumors, especially when induction therapy is considered.

Fine-needle aspiration cytology of adrenal masses: a re-assessment with histological confirmation.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of adrenal masses is a method currently indicated in lesions suspected of being extra-adrenal in origin; even though its diagnostic reliability has already been determined in many studies, few have used histological examination obtained after adrenalectomy for diagnostic confirmation. To analyze the diagnostic performance of adrenal FNA in subjects with an available histological confirmation. Fifty subjects (26 benign adrenal lesions, 9 primary malignant lesions, and 15 metastatic lesions) who had undergone ultrasound (US)-guided adrenal FNA and then adrenalectomy were re-analyzed retrospectively. FNA guaranteed a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 100% in all subjects; after having divided the subjects into oncologic and non-oncologic groups, the sensitivity of the test in oncologic patients (100%) increased significantly compared to non-oncologic (57.1%) with no difference in specificity (100% in both groups). Considering also non-diagnostic samples in our analysis (no.=11; 22% of all samples studied), FNA correctly diagnosed malignancy only in 75% of the cases and benignancy only in 66.6%; however, even after including non-diagnostic samples, the percentage of correct malignancy diagnosis remained significantly higher in oncologic (93.3%) than in non-oncologic patients (44.4%) without significant statistical difference between the 2 groups regarding the percentage of correct benignancy diagnosis (respectively 100% and 63.6%). Our study, based on histological confirmation, underlines the low discriminant value of US-guided adrenal FNA, though the method may have value in oncologic patients.

Cytologic and molecular diagnosis of thyroid cancers

The Bethesda system for standardized reporting of thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has positively affected the clarity of communication of results and management of patients evaluated for thyroid nodules. Problematic areas still exist in the triage of some of these samples, particularly those in the categories of "follicular lesion with atypia of uncertain significance" and "follicular lesion." The literature on molecular and genetic abnormalities in thyroid lesions is reviewed. Potentially useful markers for distinguishing currently problematic categories of FNA cytologic samples, especially nondiagnostic samples, atypia of uncertain significance, and follicular lesions, are discussed. The predictive value of the respective molecular analyses in these settings is examined. Evaluation of FNA samples with negative or suboptimal follicular cytology for Ras mutations may be useful in detecting potentially significant follicular lesions (carcinomas) but is quite low in overall yield. Cytologic samples with atypia of uncertain significance, which may include the possibility of papillary carcinomas, may be fruitfully evaluated using a panel of molecular tests for BRAF, RET/PTC, PAX8/PPARG1, and Ras. Other markers also have potential utility in the workup of thyroid lesions. An era of combined modality testing in thyroid cytology is emerging in which classical cytologic findings can be coupled with molecular data to increase the predictive power of diagnostic interpretations; however, there remains a group of atypical cytologic samples negative for known molecular markers in which the risk of malignancy is too high to simply follow expectantly.

In Thyroid Fine-Needle Aspiration, Use of Bedside-Prepared Slides Significantly Increased Diagnostic Adequacy and Specimen Cellularity Relative to Solution-Based Samples

In the United States, the prevalence among adults of palpable thyroid nodules is 4%-7%, of which 5%-10% may represent thyroid carcinoma. Despite the success of fine-needle aspiration in reducing the need for thyroidectomy, aspirates are inadequate to render a diagnosis in 20% of cases. Minimizing nondiagnostic samples is an important goal in improving this technique. Our objective was to determine whether bedside-prepared slides improve diagnostic adequacy over standard solution-based samples. We further sought to determine the role of needle size. One hundred sixty-two patients were prospectively enrolled. For each, both bedside slides and standard cytology solutions were prepared; the order of preparation alternated from subject to subject. Needle size (21- or 25-gauge) also alternated from subject to subject. Slides were evaluated by pathologists blinded to needle size. The study took place in the endocrinology clinic at Boston Medical Center, the tertiary referral hospital of the Boston University School of Medicine. Key outcomes were diagnostic adequacy and specimen cellularity. Compared to standard solution-based samples, bedside slides provided more cellular specimens (p < 0.01) and fewer nondiagnostic samples (p = 0.016). When standard solution-based samples were used as the sole method of preparation, 21-gauge needles provided improved diagnostic adequacy. Bedside-prepared slides offer improved diagnostic adequacy and specimen cellularity over solution-based samples. The difference may be especially important when using smaller (25-gauge) needles to perform fine-needle aspiration. When solution-based samples are used, larger (21-gauge) needles provide more diagnostic specimens.

P219 Is there a role for conventional transbronchial needle aspiration in the endobronchial ultrasound era?

Introduction and ObjectivesIt is believed by some that endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) will render conventional transbronchial needle aspiration (cTBNA) obsolete. We sought to explore this question.MethodsData on both conventional (n=33) and...

Optimized Processing of Fine-Needle Lymph Node Biopsies for Automated Immunostaining

A straightforward, reliable technique for postcollection processing and evaluation of cytologic specimens for antigen detection using an automated immunostainer was developed. Visual assessment of cell suspension turbidity was used in parallel with light microscopic examination of concentrated cytospin preparations to verify the diagnostic utility of samples for immunocytochemical staining. Fine-needle lymph node biopsies from 81 dogs with lymphadenomegally and a cytologic or histologic diagnosis of lymphoma were introduced into ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid tubes containing standardized storage media. Cell suspension turbidity was assessed to estimate cell concentration and resultant volume required for cytospin preparations with optimal cellularity. Preliminary cytospin preparations (using estimated volumes based upon turbidity) were stained using modified Wright stain and examined microscopically for intact neoplastic cell concentration. Once an optimal volume for cytospin preparations was established, additional concentrated slides were prepared for immunophenotyping, using an automated immunostainer and antibodies specific for cluster of differentiation (CD)79a and CD3e. All cell suspension samples with adequate gross turbidity had ample intact neoplastic cell concentration for immunocytochemical staining. Based on CD79a and CD3e expression, 51 (63%) B cell, 19 (23%) T cell, 3 mixed T and B cells (4%), and 3 non-T- and non-B-cell lymphomas (4%), as well as 5 (6%) nondiagnostic samples were identified. Three out of 5 of the nondiagnostic samples were submitted early in the investigation prior to the establishment of gross specimen turbidity guidelines. Immunocytochemical staining results were in complete agreement with all 6 available immunohistochemical correlates. The ability to visually assess sample adequacy prior to sample submission may encourage more widespread use of immunocytochemical techniques.