FNAC of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the subcutis: a diagnostic dilemma.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour formerly also known as inflammatory pseudotumour, was recognized initially in the lung and has been described in other visceral organs. It's occurrence in the subcutis is not well documented and its cytological appearance may be misinterpreted as malignant. This is the first case report of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the subcutis in pediatric age group. A 12 year old female child presented with a subcutaneous swelling in the left anterior chest wall. FNA was performed and the cytological appearances were interpreted as malignant. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry revealed an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour of the subcutis. FNA cytology is not very helpful in distinguishing inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour from malignant lesions especially soft tissue sarcomas. Awareness of it's occurrence in the subcutis is of importance for it's proper identification and treatment.

Spectrum of anemia in pregnant Indian women and importance of antenatal screening.

Anemia is a common health problem but control of anemia in pregnant women is less well studied. The purpose was to study prevalence of anemia in young pregnant women, correlate with indices and study significance of identification of hemoglobinopathies. Of the 120 pregnant women, Hb was less than 8 g% in 58 (44.2%). Seventy-eight (65%) had iron deficiency, 22 (18.3%) had dimorphic anemia, and 14 (11.6%) had hemolytic anemia. Megaloblastic anemia was present in 6 (5%). Of hemolytic anemia, 50% were thalassemia trait. MCV< 76 fl was observed in 88 (73.3 %) cases. MCV<76 fl and MCH < 27 pg had 100 % sensitivity and 28.7 % specificity for screening of beta-thalassemia trait. NESTROFT had comparable sensitivity but lower specificity (14.9%). Sixty-three percent (60/78) of IDA had increased RDW whereas 78 % (11/14) of hemolytic anemia had RDW value in normal range (p value< 0.05). MCV/RBC of <14 was more specific parameter (96.8%) for beta-thalassemia trait. Four high-risk couples were identified. Thus, moderate to severe anemia was observed in most pregnant women. Hemoglobinopathies should be screened in antenatal clinics to identify the couples that would need a prenatal test. A lower MCV/RBC with RDWin the normal range may be useful in screening for thalassemia trait in pregnant women.