Results Of Cytological Examination Research Articles

Application of ultrasound shear wave elastography in tumors of head and neck region – a preliminary study and literature review

<b>Introduction:</b> Ultrasound (US) scanning is one of the primary modalities in diagnostic imaging of the head and neck region. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is an ultrasound technique that facilitates objective measurements of the stiffness of the examined tissues. Additional data obtained from SWE can increase the diagnostic value of ultrasound scans in clinical practice.<b>Materials and methods:</b> A retrospective analysis of SWE examinations as performed in patients with head and neck tumor in the period of 2021 through 2022 is presented. The obtained SWE measurements were referenced against the results of histopathological or cytological examinations.<b>Results:</b> SWE scans were acquired in 101 patients. In 62 patients, major salivary gland lesions were examined to reveal 7 malignant neoplasms, 49 benign neoplasms, and 6 inflammatory lesions. Lymph nodes were examined in 31 patients to reveal 11 cases of reactive lymph nodes, 12 metastases of malignant neoplasms, and 8 cases of lymphoma. Eight tumors of other nature and location were also examined to reveal 2 malignant neoplasms, 5 benign neoplasms, and 1 inflammatory infiltrate within the area of large vessels. Based on the results, SWE was concluded to be a useful tool for differentiation between metastatic and reactive lymph nodes. In salivary gland lesions, the measurements of tissue stiffness are particularly useful in the differential diagnosis of the most common non-malignant tumors.<b>Conclusions:</b> Shear wave elastography is a valuable adjunct to ultrasound imaging. Further studies on a larger group of patients with diverse pathologies are required to identify cutoff points for tissue stiffness coefficients for different types of lesions.

MALASSEZIA FUNGAL DERMATITIS AND RHIPICEPHALUS SANGUINEUS TICK INFESTATION IN MIXED BREED DOGS

Dermatitis is the most common skin health problem in dogs whose causative agents are parasitic, bacterial, fungal and viral infections. The purpose of this paper is to diagnose and determine the success of dermatitis therapy due to Malassezia spp fungal infection and Rhipicephalus sanguineus tick infestation. A 7-month-old mixed breed dog weighing 4.5 kg was examined with complaints of itching and hair baldness. Clinical examination revealed alopecia on the face, chin, body and legs, scale on the head, papules on the abdomen, erythema on the cranial and caudal extremities with oily, rancid skin and Rhipicephalus sanguineus ticks on the hind legs. The results of cytological examination of skin taken by impression smear found the presence of Malassezia fungal agents. The results of the examination using the antibody kit showed negative results. Routine hematology examination showed the case dog had lymphocytosis and hyperchromic macrocytic anemia. Based on the history, physical examination, and supporting examination, the case dog was diagnosed with Malassezia fungal dermatitis and tick infestation with a prognosis of fausta.The therapy given was oral itraconazole, loratadine, fish oil, sebasol shampoo and multivitamin (sakatonic active). The results of therapy observed on day 14 showed that the condition of the case dog began to improve, characterized by a reduced scratching reaction, reduced scale, erythema, and papules, and superficial skin that was initially oily and rancid smelling had also begun to decrease. The case dog's hair has grown on the head, abdomen and legs. Therefore, to avoid recurrent infections, owners need to avoid keeping the animal in a humid place and keep the animal's body clean as favorable conditions can trigger recurrent events, as well as reduce direct contact with stray dogs to prevent ticks.

Cervical Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions: A Comparison of Diagnostic Approaches

Aim. To compare the effectiveness of Papanicolaou test, screening for oncogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) strains, and colposcopy in diagnosis of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer.Materials and Methods. We conducted a retrospective study which included 101 patients aged 21-65 years (mean age 36.9 ± 8.2 years). All patients underwent cytological examination, screening for 14 high-risk HPV types, and colposcopy. The prognostic value of the methods was calculated using standard formulas for determining the sensitivity, specificity, and prognostic value of positive and negative results. Cervical biopsy was accepted as the gold standard.Results. Among the examined women (n = 101), high-risk HPV types were detected in 78 women (77.2%). According to the results of cytological examination, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, CIN II, CIN III, and cancer were detected in 24 (23.8%), 24 (23.8%), 22 (21.7%), and 2 (2%) cases, respectively. Abnormal colposcopy results of the 1st and 2nd degree were found in 33 (32.7%) and 51 (50.5%) women, respectively. The highest sensitivity in the diagnosis of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion was demonstrated by colposcopy (81.3%), whilst HPV testing and cytological examination had lower sensitivity values (75.0% and 58.3%, respectively). However, HPV testing had the highest sensitivity (85.7%) in diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and cervical cancer, whereas colposcopy and Papanicolaou test were behind (82.9% and 63.6%, respectively).Conclusion. Detection of high-risk HPV types has a high sensitivity in detecting both low- and highgrade squamous intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer.

THE USE OF MANUKA HONEY AND LEMON AS A TREATMENT FOR BRONCHOPNEUMONIA IN LOCAL CATS

Bronchopneumonia is a respiratory disease caused by non-infectious or infectious agents to the respiratory tract, causing inflammation of the bronchi and alveoli. The case study aimed to find out alternative diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for cases of bronchopneumonia. Physical examination was carried out on a cat with complaints of sneezing accompanied by moist nose and eyes unilaterally since one month. Physical examination showed a high intensity of sneezing accompanied by a runny nose mucoid unilateral from the nose and unilateral mucopurulent discharge from the eyes with a lot of volume and crackles heard in the area of ​​the bronchi to the lungs during inspiration and expiration. X-ray results of the thoracic region show inflammation of the bronchial walls and lungs. The results of cytological examination of the runny nose and eyes found cells neutrophils. The results of the haematological examination showed rate increase white blood cell (WBC), granulocytes, and red distribution width (RDW-CV). Bacterial culture examination showed results staphylococcus sp. on nasal discharge and bacteria Enterobacter sp. on eye discharge. The therapy given to cat cases is causative, symptomatic, and supportive by utilizing natural ingredients. Honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, while lemon water has antioxidant potential. Treatment is in the form of giving a combination of manuka honey and lemon water products with a total of 5 ml given orally twice a day for one month. The results of treatment for one month showed good progress in case animals with reduced frequency of runny nose and eyes and a significant decrease in the intensity of sneezing. Treatment in case animals can continue until the symptoms of runny nose and sneezing disappear completely

Endobronchial metastasis of melanoma: a clinical case

Background. Despite high metastatic potential, melanoma rarely metastasizes to the tracheobronchial tree, accounting for 4.5-5.3% of cases. Therefore, epidemiological, clinical, and pathological features, as well as treatment, are based on individual reports in the literature.
 Aim. To present a clinical case of isolated endobronchial metastasis of melanoma.
 Materials and methods. A 67-year-old patient underwent surgical treatment for stage IIb pT2N0M0 melanoma of the IV toe of the left foot in August 2014. Histological study showed the ulcerated epithelioid cell pigment melanoma of level III invasion according to Clark classification, and the Breslow thickness was 2 mm. No adjuvant treatment was administered.
 Results. During the follow-up, no signs of disease progression were found. In December 2022, the patient survived a new coronavirus infection. In February 2023, the patient reported dyspnea on exertion, dry cough, and hemoptysis. Fibrobronchoscopy in the upper lobe of the left lung in one of the subsegmental branches revealed pigmentation of the bronchial mucosa of gray and black in some spots. Based on the results of cytological examination, metastasis of pigment epithelioid cell melanoma was diagnosed. According to imaging studies, no other manifestations of melanoma progression were identified. The patient received immunotherapy with pembrolizumab for 6 months with no signs of metastasis progression.
 Conclusion. Isolated endobronchial metastasis of melanoma is uncommon. The latency period in the presented case was 103 months. The clinical presentation included dyspnea during physical exertion, dry cough, and episodes of hemoptysis. The main diagnostic method is fibrobronchoscopy with biopsy for morphological examination. Imaging methods are necessary to establish the spread of the tumor.

Forensic medical cytological examination of the trace evidence on the knife’s blade in the case of multiple penetrating stab/cut wounds in the chest with lung damage: a case report

Various trace evidence are often found on the instruments of mechanical injury, including microparticles of humans damaged organs and tissues. The detection of cells and microparticles of organs and tissues on the instrument of injury confirms its contact with the human body, which is of great evidentiary value.
 The article presents the results of forensic medical cytological examination of biological evidence taken from the knifes blade in the case of multiple penetrating stab/cut wounds in the chest that result in lung damage. Microscopic preparations were made from the traces on knifes blade, which were stained with fluorochrome solutions (0.0005% aqueous solution of atebrine and 0.01% solution of acridine orange). The study was performed using the luminescent microscope Leica DM2500 (20 and 60 lenses, 10 eyepiece). The examination of microparticles of the striated skeletal muscle revealed areolar connective and fat tissues with capillary and arteriole fragments. The isolated mesothelial cells and type II pneumonocytes were also detected. Fibers of the striated skeletal muscle tissue looked like long multinucleated cells with distinguishing cross-striation. The areolar connective tissue was represented by loosely arranged fibers embedded in the ground substance. Fragments of the fat tissue looked like the clusters of round and oval large cells, tightly pressed together, with capillaries, and arterioles in between. Y-chromatin was detected in the nuclei of most cells. In addition, human blood was found on the knifes blade.
 Thus, the study revealed that tiny particles of tissues and isolated human cells of the male genetic sex were detected, their organtissue affiliation was established, which is a valuable diagnostic finding, because it confirms the contact of the trauma instrument with the human body.

MicroRNAs Present in Malignant Pleural Fluid Increase the Migration of Normal Mesothelial Cells In Vitro and May Help Discriminate between Benign and Malignant Effusions.

The sensitivity of pleural fluid (PF) analyses for the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) is low to moderate. Knowledge about the pathobiology and molecular characteristics of this condition is limited. In this study, the crosstalk between stromal cells and tumor cells was investigated in vitro in order to reveal factors that are present in PF which can mediate MPE formation and aid in discriminating between benign and malignant etiologies. Eighteen PF samples, in different proportions, were exposed in vitro to mesothelial MeT-5A cells to determine the biological effects on these cells. Treatment of normal mesothelial MeT-5A cells with malignant PF increased cell viability, proliferation, and migration, and activated different survival-related signaling pathways. We identified differentially expressed miRNAs in PF samples that could be responsible for these changes. Consistently, bioinformatics analysis revealed an enrichment of the discovered miRNAs in migration-related processes. Notably, the abundance of three miRNAs (miR-141-3p, miR-203a-3, and miR-200c-3p) correctly classified MPEs with false-negative cytological examination results, indicating the potential of these molecules for improving diagnosis. Malignant PF produces phenotypic and functional changes in normal mesothelial cells. These changes are partly mediated by certain miRNAs, which, in turn, could serve to differentiate malignant from benign effusions.

Structural and morphologic characteristics of nodular goiter in chronic iodine deficiency status

OBJECTIVES. Diffuse and nodular goiter are the most common thyroid gland (thyroid) diseases in children and adults living in iodine-deficient regions. Thyroid hormone potentiates progressive hypertrophy and hyperplasia of thyrocytes, with uneven proliferation of thyroid cells leading to nodule formation. Iodine deficiency, which promotes replication of thyroid follicular cells, also increases the incidence of TSH Receptor mutations, leading to receptor activation and autonomous functioning of follicles.AIM. To evaluate and describe ultrasound and cytologic thyroid nodes in the regions in Russia with proven iodine deficiency.MATERIALS AND METHODS. The study was conducted in regions with proven iodine deficiency in the Central and North Caucasian Federal Districts. Population of conditionally healthy adult volunteers (mean age — 47.5 years) was recruited as part of visiting events to screen for the occurrence of thyroid nodes.RESULTS. The results obtained indicate a high prevalence of multinodular colloid goiter in adult patients living in conditions of chronic iodine deficiency. In the Chechen Republic, the prevalence of nodular thyroid pathology was found in 64.5% (205/318) of cases, and in the Tula region — in 40.6% (116/286). In the studied sample the results of cytologic examination confirmed the presence of colloid thyroid masses in 97% (60/62) — Bethesda category II; in 3% (2/62) of patients nodular masses had Bethesda IV. Diffuse goiter prevalence in the examined population was 20.8%.CONCLUSIONS. A study indicates a high prevalence of iodine-deficient thyroid disease — multinodular colloid goiter in regions with proven chronic iodine deficiency. The wide prevalence of goiter with colloid and cystic components is confirmed by the cytologic examination with different ultrasound characteristics according to the EU-TIRADS classification. The obtained data correspond to the official statistics demonstrating high prevalence of nontoxic goiter in adults in the examined regions, which is an important argument confirming the need for systemic iodine prophylaxis.

Use of Virus Genotypes in Machine Learning Diagnostic Prediction Models for Cervical Cancer in Women With High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infection

High-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is recognized as an etiologic agent for cervical cancer, and hrHPV DNA testing is recommended as the preferred method of cervical cancer screening in recent World Health Organization guidelines. Cervical cancer prediction models may be useful for screening and monitoring, particularly in low-resource settings with unavailable cytological and colposcopic examination results, but previous studies did not include women infected with hrHPV. To develop and validate a cervical cancer prediction model that includes women positive for hrHPV infection and examine whether the inclusion of HPV genotypes improves the cervical cancer prediction ability. This diagnostic study included diagnostic data from 314 587 women collected from 136 primary care centers in China between January 15, 2017, and February 28, 2018. The data set was separated geographically into data from 100 primary care centers in 6 districts for model development (training data set) and 36 centers in 3 districts for model validation. A total of 24 391 women identified with positive hrHPV test results in the cervical cancer screening program were included in the study. Data were analyzed from January 1, 2022, to July 14, 2022. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (CIN3+) was the primary outcome, and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) was the secondary outcome. The ability of the prediction models to discriminate CIN3+ and CIN2+ was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio. The calibration and clinical utility of the models were assessed using calibration plots and decision curves, respectively. After excluding women without screening outcomes, the study included 21 720 women (median [IQR] age, 50 [44-55] years). Of 14 553 women in the training data set, 349 (2.4%) received a diagnosis of CIN3+ and 673 (4.6%) of CIN2+. Of 7167 women in the validation set, 167 (2.3%) received a diagnosis of CIN3+ and 228 (3.2%) of CIN2+. Including HPV genotype in the model improved the AUROC by 35.9% for CIN3+ and 41.7% for CIN2+. With HPV genotype, epidemiological factors, and pelvic examination as predictors, the stacking model had an AUROC of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.84-0.90) for predicting CIN3+. The sensitivity was 80.1%, specificity was 83.4%, positive likelihood ratio was 4.83, and negative likelihood ratio was 0.24. The model for predicting CIN2+ had an AUROC of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.82-0.88), with a sensitivity of 80.4%, specificity of 81.0%, positive likelihood ratio of 4.23, and negative likelihood ratio of 0.24. The decision curve analysis indicated that the stacking model provided a superior standardized net benefit when the threshold probability for clinical decision was lower than 23% for CIN3+ and lower than 17% for CIN2+. This diagnostic study found that inclusion of HPV genotypes markedly improved the ability of a stacking model to predict cervical cancer among women who tested positive for hrHPV infection. This prediction model may be an important tool for screening and monitoring cervical cancer, particularly in low-resource settings.

Urgent intraoperative cytological diagnosis of spherical mass lesions in the lungs

Differential diagnosis of pulmonary mass lesions is one of the most difficult tasks not only in pulmonology but also in phthisiology, because clinical manifestations, data from visual and laboratory examinations are undifferentiated in the early stages. In the case of an unclear diagnosis, morphological verification of the process played a crucial role. Urgent intraoperative examination is the most difficult option for morphologic verification of lung lesions, which requires a quick, detailed, and accurate answer.The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance and efficacy of urgent intraoperative cytologic examination in the differential diagnosis between granulomatous (tuberculosis, sarcoidosis), tumor and tumor-like lesions of the lung.Methods. The results of urgent intraoperative cytologic examination of 173 tissue specimens from lung masses were retrospectively analyzed. Cytologic specimens were stained by the May – Grunwald – Giemse and Ziehl – Neelsen methods and then visualized on a Zeiss Lab A1 microscope (Carl Zeiss, Germany). The obtained data are compared with the results of histological examination. To evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative cytologic examination, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated.Results. Analysis of the results of urgent cytological examinations (n = 173) shows that granulomatosis (tuberculosis/sarcoidosis) was established in 64.7% of cases, malignancy – in 31 cases (cancer – 9.2%, carcinoid tumor – 2.9%, malignant neoplasm of unclear etiology – 4%, suspected malignant lesion – 1.7%); benign process – in 9.2% of cases (hamartoma + chondroma – 5.2%, chronic inflammation – 4%). 1.2% of the cases had no diagnostic material. When comparing the obtained results, there was a discrepancy between the histological picture (2.9% of cases) and the primary clinical diagnosis (5.7% of cases). Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of cytologic examination of intraoperative material amounted to 95.9, 71, and 98%, respectively.Conclusion. The high sensitivity and accuracy (> 90%) of urgent cytologic diagnosis of pathologic processes in the lung under intraoperative conditions were demonstrated by the correct assessment of morphologic signs of a given lesion and by their comparison with the clinical picture and the results of additional examinations. Analysis of cytological specimens showed that urgent cytological examination significantly complements the morphological picture of lung lesions and can be considered as the first stage of phenotypic diagnosis.

AGE FEATURES OF BUCCAL EPITHELIUM IN PRACTICALLY HEALTHY PEOPLE

Recently, buccal epithelium has been used to study age-dependent processes. This approach is of particular relevance due to its non-invasiveness. The purpose of this study is to establish the normal values of the buccal cytogram in different age groups, including athletes. 200 practically healthy volunteers of different ages were examined, who were divided into 5 groups in accordance with the WHO age classification. In addition, 125 professional athletes took part in the study. All patients underwent a comprehensive dental examination and a standard cytological examination of buccal smears. It has been established that the cytological characteristics of buccal epitheliocytes, indirectly reflecting disorders of the nuclear apparatus of the cell, did not change significantly with age, but there was a certain upward trend in the number of cells with such anomalies (micronucleus, protrusions).The number of binuclear cells and the apoptotic index also slightly increase with age. At the same time, a high positive correlation was found between the apoptosis index and senile age. In young athletes, an increase in the number of buccal epitheliocytes with a perinuclear vacuole (an early sign of cell damage) was foundAnalysis of the cytological examination results of the buccal epithelium in people a slight increase in the level of cytological abnormalities in old age, in particular, signs of apoptosis. In addition, in healthy young athletes (18 years old - 44 years old), an increase in the number of cells with signs of nuclear degradation, which most likely reflects increased mechanical stress on the maxillofacial apparatus during sports activities.

The results analysis of cytological examination of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia compared to histology report

Timely diagnosis and effective treatment of precancerous diseases of the female genital organs prevent the development of oncogynecological diseases. Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia is a precancerous disease characterized by lesions of the stratified squamous epithelium with impaired maturation and normal keratinization of cells, but without inclusion of the basement membrane in the pathological process. The main methods of diagnosis of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia are vulvoscopy, cytological and histological examination.
 The aim of this study was to assess the clinical significance and effectiveness of different sampling methods for cytological examination in comparison with histological report.
 Materials and methods. The study involved 235 women aged 35-79 years, with a mean age of 57±11,3 years with complaints of pain, burning, discomfort and itching in the vulva. All patients underwent a simple vulvoscopy, where atrophy of the mucosa, partial or complete loss of the clitoris and / or labia minora, fissures, ecchymoses (haemorrhages), eroded surfaces, exophytic growths from 1 to 5 cm were detected. Material sampling was performed by various cytological methods.
 Results. According to the results of the study, no significant differences between the methods of cytological sampling were observed. The cytological report was compared to the result of histological examination of biopsies. According to the results of cytological examination, squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva was detected in 12 patients, atrophy was identified in 5 women and squamous epithelial scales cytologically detected in the remaining 218 women.
 Conclusions. The sensitivity and specificity of cytological examination methods were high in the presence of eroded surfaces and exophytic lesions. It was found that cytological research methods were not informative enough to detect vulvar cancer, which is in the stratum of hyperkeratosis, and was diagnosed in 5.1 % of patients. Therefore, for the reliability of the results and confirmation of the diagnosis it is necessary to conduct histological examination, with the help of which 14.9 % of patients were diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma

Solitary pulmonary nodules: etiology, sizes and topographical features

Objective — determination of the size and localization of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN) of various etiology and their qualitative-quantitative characteristics when separated into malignant and benign formations.
 Materials and methods. The randomized retrospective study involved 422 patients who were hospitalized in the National Institute of phthisiology and pulmonology named after F.G. Yanovsky from 2017 to 2021. Criteria for inclusion in the study group are focal lesions of the lungs of unclear etiology, the size of which did not exceed 3,0 cm, and the presence of no more than 3 foci in both lungs of one patient according to X-ray examination. The number, size and location of the SPN were determined according to X-ray examination or computed tomography of the chest organs.. A total of 473 nodules were found. The etiology of SPN was determined according to the results of histological and cytological examination of biopsy or operative material and/or microbiolo­gical data. All nodules were divided into three groups, depending on their size.
 Results and discussion. The etiological spectrum of all revealed SPN in the five-year period is determined. It was established that among all SPN malignant tumors (39.1 %) are dominated the average size of which was (2.14 ± 0.1) cm, on the second place in the number of observations were nodules of infectious origin (31.0 %), the average size — (1.97 ± 0.1) cm, and on the third — benign tumors (18.7 %). the average size — (1.57 ± 0.1) cm. The average size of malignant tumors and SPN of infectious origin was significantly larger than the size of benign tumors and vascular formations. It was shown that in a group with SPN sizes 0.3—1.0 cm malignant tumors amounted to 22.9 %. and in a group with a size from 2.1 to 3.0 cm — 51.5 %, respectively 55.3 % of all SPNs were found in the right lung, 44.7 % in the left. In the upper lobe of the right lung. 52.3 % of nodules were found. which is significantly more than in middle. 16.0 % of SPN (p < 0.001), and the lower lobe — 31.7 % (p < 0.001). In the upper lobe of the left lung. 59.4 % of SPN were diagnosed, and in its lower lobe — 40.6 % (p < 0.001).
 Conclusions. Among all solitary pulmonary nodules of various etiology. the largest specific gravity have malignant nodes — 39.1 % and nodules of infectious genesis — 31.0 %. and the average size of these SPN is essentially larger than the size of benign tumors and vascular formations. The percentage of malignancies increases from 22.9 to 51.4 % with an increase sizes of SPN from 1.0 to 3.0 cm. Significant predominance by the number of nodules in size from 1.1 cm to 3 cm is evidence of improper level of detection SPN in Ukraine. Solitary pulmonary nodes are significantly more often found in the right lung. Moreover, lesions of the upper lobes of the right and left lungs are observed more often than the lower lobes of the lungs.

Diagnosis of Ectopic Intrathyroidal Parathyroid Adenoma with Nodular Goiter by 18F Fluorocholine: A Case Report.

The occurrence of ectopic intrathyroidal parathyroid adenoma (EPTA) is very rare, which causes some difficulties in diagnosis and complicates treatment. In addition, the occurrence of EPTA with nodular goiter (NG) is rare, which makes diagnosis difficult and requires the assistance of clinical evidence, imaging data, and cytological examination results. Therefore, we present a patient with a final diagnosis of ETPA with NG.

Results of cytological examination of bone marrow aspirates in patients with HIV infection and cytopenia in correlation with viral load

Aim determination of specific changes in the bone marrow in patients with HIV infection and cytopenia, depending on the viral load.
 Material and methods. We analysed myelograms of patients with HIV infection and cytopenia. All patients had bicytopenia or pancytopenia in the hemogram.
 Results. In patients with a viral load over 100 001 copies/ml, the hypocellularity of each of the hematopoietic cell line was significantly more often observed, hypercellularity was recorded only in the myelograms of patients with a viral load of less than 100 001 copies/ml. When assessing the signs of myelodysplasia in the bone marrow, changes in the megakaryocyte lineage (the formation of naked cells, dysmegakaryocytopoiesis) were typical for patients with a viral load of less than 10 000 copies/ml. Signs of dysplasia of the granulocytic lineage are more often determined in patients with a viral load of more than 100 001 copies/ml.

Papillary meningioma with multifocal leptomeningeal spread in a dog

AbstractAn 11‐year‐old, English cocker spaniel was presented with subacute progressive signs of vestibular ataxia, tetraparesis, left‐sided proprioceptive deficits, positional ventrolateral strabismus of the right eye and a right‐sided menace deficit. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cranium and cranial cervical spinal cord revealed multifocal T2 hyper‐/T1‐hypointense intradural lesions with dural tail signs and intra‐axial and intramedullary extension. Medical treatment resulted in initial improvement before deterioration was noticed. Cytological examination results of computed tomography‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of the C1–C2 lesion were consistent with mesenchymal neoplasia. Three days later, after progressive clinical deterioration, euthanasia was performed. Postmortem examination and subsequent histological examination of the brainstem and spinal cord revealed multifocal, strongly infiltrative growth of neoplastic cells with areas of pseudo‐rosette formation by cylindrical neoplastic cells with moderately large, oval nuclei in addition to areas of spindle‐shaped neoplastic cells with meningothelial whorls. The final diagnosis was a papillary (grade III) meningioma with multifocal leptomeningeal spread.

Prognostic role of peritoneal cytological status in the staging of gastric cancer - an unsettled discussion

Background: Staging laparoscopy is recommended for patients with stage IB-III resectable gastric cancer to exclude radiologically occult metastatic disease, especially involving the peritoneum/diaphragm. Results of cytological examination of peritoneal lavage fluid are generally considered important predictors of survival, though some studies have failed to show an association between positive peritoneal cytology and recurrence-free or overall survival. Furthermore, there is still disagreement over how patients with positive cytology should be managed.

Analysis of laryngeal brush biopsy-based cytology results in patients of the 4th Military Teaching Hospital and Polyclinic in Wrocław in years 2019-2020.

<b>Introduction:</b> Cytological examination of exfoliated epithelial cells of the uterine cervix, oral cavity, or rectum has been successfully used in the diagnostics of pathological conditions of these organs for many years. In these cases, the test material is collected from the available regions. </br></br> <b>Aim:</b> The aim of the study consisted in the analysis of cytological smears of laryngeal epithelial cells from patients hospitalized at the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery of the 4th Military Teaching Hospital and Polyclinic in Wrocław in years 2019-2020. The analysis was aimed at demonstrating whether representative laryngeal epithelial material could be obtained from brush biopsies. </br></br> <b>Material and methods:</b> The study was carried out in 92 subjects aged between 26 and 85 years, including 34 women (37.0%), from whom material for cytological examination had been collected from the larynx in the course of microsurgical procedures carried out using the Kleinsasser laryngeal instrument set in 2019-2020. </br></br> <b>Results: </b>Analysis was performed on 90 out of 92 cell smears (97.8%). Two smears were not qualified for analysis due to ille-gibility. The smears were assessed using a proprietary scale consisting in a modification of the Bethesda system. Abnormal results of cytological examinations were obtained in a majority of cases. HSILs with invasive features were the most common abnormal results of cytological examinations. </br></br> <b>Conclusions:</b> Laryngeal epithelial cells can be successfully evaluated by means of cytological examination. Abnormal presen-tation of cytological smear is frequently hypercellular, with inflammatory cells being observed less frequently. No statistically significant relationship was observed between the results of the cytological examination and the overall quality of the smear, number of cells, number of erythrocytes, or the severity of inflammation.

Experience of the Use of Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Chronic Traumatic Lesions of Oral Mucosa

Aim: To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the use of photodynamic therapy in chronic traumatic lesions of oral mucosa. Materials and methods: Clinical examination and treatment of 67 patients aged 18-65 years with erosive-ulcerative lesions of oral mucosa were carried out. Treatment of patients in the main group was performed using photodynamic therapy. Treatment of patients of the control group was carried out according to the standard method. The results of treatment were evaluated by clinical and cytological parameters. Results: In all patients of the main group with chronic traumatic erythema, already on the second day of treatment, complaints of pain when talking and eating completely disappeared, and on the third day in 100% of patients the affected mucosa had no pathological changes. In patients with erosive-ulcerative lesions, complete clinical recovery in the main group was observed on the 3-4th day of treatment, in the control group – on the 7-10th day. The results of cytological examination, namely the absence of young epithelial cells of stages 1 and 2 of differentiation, a significant decrease of intermediate maturity cells (stages 3 and 4) and a similar increase of mature cells (stages 5 and 6), indicated the acceleration of mucosal regeneration in patients of the main group compared to the control group. Conclusions: The use of photodynamic therapy in the treatment of traumatic oral mucosa lesions contributed to the acceleration of elimination of clinical manifestations of chronic mechanical injuries and the normalization of parameters of cytological characteristics of epithelial cells in patients of the main group compared to the group of standard treatment.

Nasal Transmissible Venereal Tumor (TVT) in Dogs

Background: Transmissible venereal tumors (TVT) are naturally occurring neoplasms that can be transmitted through copulation or cell transplantation. It is a disease that affects canines, has no preference for sex or breed, and generally noticed in the external genital apparatus. Extragenital occurrence may eventually be seen; however, nasal involvement has been described in only a few reports of studies conducted in Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this study is to report 3 cases of nasal TVT in dogs who were treated in 2 municipalities in the mountainous region of Santa Catarina, Brazil.Cases: This case report includes 3 male mixed-breed canines of age 3-13. Only 1 of the animals was castrated. As per the medical history, some points, such as an enlarged nasal region, sneezing, nasal discharge, and hoarseness, reported by the dogs’ respective owners were similar among all the dogs. Likewise, nosebleed was observed on physical examination in all the cases. The result of cytological examination was inconclusive only in 1 case. Rhinoscopy, incisional biopsy, and histopathological examination were then performed for achieving a definitive diagnosis. In the 2 cases wherein cytology gave conclusive results, the cytological smears showed changes suggestive of TVT, such as cells with eccentric nuclei and little cytoplasm, which had vacuoles inside them. In 2 cases, radiographic examinations of the skull were also performed. The images showed changes in bone radiopacity, conformation of trabeculae with areas of bone lysis and cell proliferation, and irregularity in the contour of the nasal bone. After TVT diagnosis was confirmed, chemotherapy was initiated using vincristine at a dose of 0.75 mg/m2 for 2 cases and 0.025 mg/kg for the remaining case. The number of chemotherapy sessions and duration of treatment until the resolution of lesions and clinical signs varied as per the differences in the patients’ blood counts performed prior to each session.Discussion: TVT occurs between 1 and 7 years of life. It occurs more frequently in sexually active animals and has no preference for breed. Of the 3 cases reported herein, only one of the patients was elderly. All the patients were male mixed-breed dogs, and only 1 of them was castrated. The implantation of neoplastic cells through natural mounts, licks, scratches, or bites of affected areas are the most widely accepted reasons for the transmission of this neoplasm. With regard to the nasal presentation described in the present report, it is hypothesized that the smelling or licking of the neoplastic areas by the animal may favor cell implantation, leading to the subsequent development of a tumor. Nasal TVT should be considered as a differential diagnosis for dogs with chronic symptoms of the upper respiratory tract, such as increased local volume, nasal discharge, nosebleed, and sneezing. These signs are consistent with those described in this report. Radiographic evaluation was performed in 2 cases and both showed changes in bone radiopacity and trabeculae conformation, in addition to areas of bone lysis and cell proliferation, which are common in neoplastic processes. A presumptive diagnosis can be achieved from the medical history, clinical signs, and physical examination. Cytological and histopathological examination are the confirmatory methods; however, it is used less frequently and especially when cytological evaluation does not provide a definitive diagnosis. Antineoplastic chemotherapy with vincristine is the first-choice treatment protocol, which also proved to be effective for the patients in this report. Although TVT commonly affects the external genitalia of dogs, in the cases reported herein, it was located exclusively in the nasal region. Keywords: TVT, dog, nasal, vincristine.Título: Tumor venéreo transmissível (TVT) nasal em cãesDescritores: TVT, cão, nasal, vincristine.