Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes among apparently healthy women with normal and abnormal cervical cytology in Kaduna State, Nigeria

Background: About 99.7% of cervical dysplasia and cancer cases are caused by persistent genital high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection. Most HPV infections are subclinical and self-limiting but may persists in about 5 to 10% of infected women, resulting in pre-cancerous lesions that can progress to invasive cancer years later. This study is aimed at detecting hrHPV among apparently healthy women of reproductive age in Kaduna State, thus providing more information for effective control of HPV and cervical cancer in Nigeria. Methodology: Cervical smears were taken from 515 randomly selected apparently healthy women across selected secondary and tertiary facilities from 3 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in each Senatorial Zone of Kaduna State, Nigeria. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) technique was used to collect cervical smears and prepare smears for cytology study, while the remaining samples were stored at -80oC for molecular studies. HPV DNA were extracted from the samples and amplified by convectional PCR using specific hrHPV (HPV 16,18,31 and 45) primer sets and a broad spectrum MY09/11 and GP5+/6+ primers for a wider range of HPV genotypes. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0 and relationship between prevalence of hrHPV and socio-demographic factors such as age and marital status were determined using Chisquare or Fisher Exact test with p<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of total HPV and hrHPV infections in the study population was 11.8% (61/515) and 9.3% (48/515) respectively. A total of 100 HPV genotypes were detected by PCR in the 61 positive smears, with 66 hrHPV types from 48 women, and 34 other HPV types from 13 women. The frequency of hrHPV genotypes detected was HPV 31 (5.8%, n=30), HPV 45 (4.1%, n=21), HPV 16 (1.7%, n=9), and HPV 18 (1.2%, n=6), with other HPV genotypes (6.6%, n=34). The frequency of cervical dysplasia was 6.4% (33/515), which was significantly associated with all HPV genotypes except HPV 16. Single HPV infection was seen in 31 (51.8%) women while multiple infections were seen in 30 (49.2%), with double infection in 21 (34.4%) and triple infections in 9 (14.7%). Conclusion: The prevalence of hrHPV infection was high among women in Kaduna State, Nigeria. DNA-based screening for hrHPV genotypes and production of new vaccine that will protect against the predominant hrHPV genotypes are thus recommended for the prevention of cervical cancer in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

Underestimated Cervical Cancer among Women over 65 Years Old: Is It Time to Revise the Screening Target Age Group? / Câncer cervical subestimado entre mulheres com mais de 65 anos: É hora de rever a faixa etária alvo do rastreamento?

Abstract Objective To compare cytological and histological results from women > 64 years old who followed the Brazilian national cervical cancer screening guidelines with those who did not. Methods The present observational retrospective study analyzed 207 abnormal cervical smear results from women > 64 years old in a mid-sized city in Brazil over 14 years. All results were reported according to the Bethesda System. The women were divided into those who followed the screening guidelines and those who did not. Results Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance and low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion cytology results were found in 128 (62.2%) cases. Of these, 112 (87.5%) had repeated cytology with positive results. The other 79 (38.1%) with abnormal results should have been referred to colposcopy and biopsy. Out of 41 (51.9%) biopsied women, 23 (29.1%) had a confirmed diagnosis of neoplasia or precursor lesion. In contrast, among the 78 (37.7%) biopsied patients, 40 (51.3%) followed the guideline recommendations, with 9 (22.5%) positive biopsies. Of the 38 (48.7%) women who did not follow the guidelines, there were 24 (63.1%) positive results. Women who did not follow the guidelines demonstrated higher chances of cancer and precursor lesions (odds ratio [OR]: 5.904; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.188-15.932; p = 0.0002). Conclusion Women > 64 years old who did not follow the national screening protocol showed significant differences in the frequency of abnormal results and severity of diagnosis compared with those who followed the protocol.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar os resultados citológicos e histológicos de mulheres > 64 anos que seguiram as diretrizes nacionais brasileiras de rastreamento do câncer do colo do útero com aquelas que não as seguiram. Método O presente estudo observacional retrospectivo analisou 207 resultados anormais de esfregaço cervical de mulheres > 64 anos de idade em uma cidade de médio porte no Brasil durante 14 anos. Todos os resultados foram relatados de acordo com o Sistema Bethesda. As mulheres foram divididas entre as que seguiram as diretrizes de rastreamento e as que não o fizeram. Resultados Resultados citológicos com células escamosas atípicas de significado indeterminado e lesão intraepitelial escamosa de baixo grau foram encontrados em 128 (62,2%) casos. Destes, 112 (87,5%) repetiram a citologia com resultados positivos. Os outros 79 (38,1%) com resultados anormais deveriam ter sido encaminhados para colposcopia e biópsia. Das 41 (51,9%) mulheres biopsiadas, 23 (29,1%) tiveram diagnóstico confirmado de neoplasia ou lesão precursora. Em contrapartida, entre as 78 (37,7%) pacientes biopsiadas, 40 (51,3%) seguiram as recomendações da diretriz, com 9 (22,5%) biópsias positivas. Entre as 38 (48,7%) mulheres que não seguiram as orientações, houve 24 (63,1%) resultados positivos. As mulheres que não seguiram as diretrizes demonstraram maiores chances de câncer e lesões precursoras (odds ratio [OR]: 5,904; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 2,188-15,932; p = 0,0002). Conclusão Mulheres > 64 anos que não seguiram a diretriz nacional de rastreamento apresentaram diferenças significativas na frequência de resultados anormais e gravidade do diagnóstico em comparação com aquelas que seguiram a diretriz.

Diagnostic utility of special stains in defining the spectrum of maxillofacial pathologies

Background: The Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is considered as a valuable and distinguished diagnostic test in the initial assessment of the patients presenting with a mass in the head and neck region or when a recurrence is suspected after previous treatment. Aims: This study was therefore designed to elucidate the efficacy of FNAC as an alternate diagnostic tool to histopathology in head and neck swellings and evaluation of staining efficacy of PAP and MGG stain over Haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) in routine cytopathological smears. Settings and Design: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, where FNAC samples were collected from 150 patients with head and neck swellings. Materials and Methods: All the slides were stained with H and E, Papanicolaou (PAP), and May Grunewald Giemsa (MGG) stains. The cytopathological diagnosis was compared with histopathological diagnosis based on H and E stained sections obtained from paraffin-embedded formalin-fixed biopsy specimen of benign and malignant neoplasms. Statistical Analysis Used: The resulting data were analyzed using SPSS software version 19. Differences between the variables were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square test and Kruskal–Wallis test wherever applicable. Results: The FNAC as a diagnostic tool has sensitivity of 84.8%, 72.72%, and 78.78%, specificity of 62.5%, 75%, and 75%, and accuracy of 80.48%, 73.14%, and 78.04% in H and E, MGG, and PAP stain, respectively. PAP stain was the most efficient stain when all qualitative parameters are taken into consideration with maximum sensitivity and specificity for achieving definitive cytodiagnosis. Conclusions: The FNAC is an inexpensive and minimally invasive technique to diagnose different types of head and neck swellings and complement histopathological diagnosis.

Prevalencia y factores asociados al tamizaje preventivo del cáncer cervical en una región de Perú / Prevalence and factors associated with cervical cancer preventive screening in a Peruvian region

Introducción El tamizaje preventivo del cáncer cervical es la mejor estrategia disponible para mermar la incidencia y mortalidad por esta neoplasia. No obstante, la baja proporción de mujeres que se someten al tamizaje de rutina, constituye un problema pendiente para los sistemas de salud del mundo Objetivo Estimar la prevalencia y los factores asociados a realizarse el tamizaje preventivo del cáncer cervical en una región de Perú Métodos Estudio transversal y multicéntrico. En él participaron 1146 mujeres usuarias de centros de salud de una región sanitaria de Perú. La variable dependiente fue la realización de un tamizaje preventivo de cáncer cervical con Papanicolaou o inspección visual con ácido acético, en los últimos dos años. Las variables independientes fueron factores sociodemográficos, sociosanitarios, conocimientos sobre cáncer de cuello uterino y virus del papiloma humano, actitudes e información ante las pruebas de tamizaje. Para evaluar la asociación entre las variables se calcularon razones de prevalencia crudas y ajustadas, con modelos lineales generalizados de la familia Poisson. Resultados La prevalencia general del tamizaje preventivo fue de 50,5%. Esta se asoció a realizarse la prueba, el grado de instrucción superior y área de residencia urbana, usar métodos anticonceptivos, tener seguro de salud, recibir recomendación del personal de salud para realizarse el tamizaje y sentirse preocupada por adquirir cáncer de cuello uterino. También se vinculó a quienes respondieron que el cáncer es prevenible, que habían oído hablar de cáncer cervicouterino o virus del papiloma humano y si cree que este virus puede causar cáncer de cuello uterino, Además, se asoció el admitir que existe posibilidad de curar el cáncer con su detección temprana. En cambio, el considerar riesgoso el tamizaje preventivo se relacionó con no realizarse la prueba. Conclusiones La proporción de mujeres con tamizaje preventivo de cáncer cervical es baja. Asimismo, se identificaron ciertos factores asociados modificables, los que podrían mejorar las conductas y tasas del tamizaje preventivo

Introduction Preventive screening for cervical cancer is the best available strategy to reduce the incidence and mortality from this neoplasm. However, the low proportion of women who undergo routine screening is a pending concern for healthcare systems worldwide. Objective To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with preventive cervical cancer screening in a Peruvian region. Methods Cross-sectional, multicenter study. It enrolled 1146 women users of healthcare centers in a Peruvian sanitary region. The dependent variable was the performance of cervical cancer preventive screening with Papanicolaou or visual inspection with acetic acid in the last two years. The independent variables were sociodemographic and socio-sanitary factors, knowledge about cervical cancer and human papillomavirus, attitudes and information towards screening tests. To evaluate the association between the variables, crude and adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated with generalized linear models of Poisson. Results The overall prevalence of preventive screening was 50.5%. This was associated with being tested, having a higher education level and urban area of residence, using contraceptive methods, having health insurance, being recommended by healthcare personnel to be screened, and being concerned about developing cervical cancer. It was also associated with responding that this cancer is preventable, being aware of cervical cancer or human papillomavirus, and believing it can cause cervical cancer. In contrast, considering preventive screening risky was associated with not having the test. Conclusions The proportion of women with preventive cervical cancer screening is low. In addition, certain associated modifiable factors were identified, which could improve preventive screening behaviors and rates.

The B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: An enigma to diagnose

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a heterogeneous group of malignancies characterized by an abnormal clonal proliferation of T-cells, B-cells, or both. Sometimes, tuberculosis and lymphoma presentation can share common symptoms and features. In this case report, we present the case of a 28-year-old female patient who came with a chief complaint of swelling on the right side of the face for the past 6 months. Initially, it was not associated with pain but gradually developed severe pain over the region and reduced salivary flow. The patient was planned for surgery with a differential diagnosis of salivary gland pathology. Post-operatively, the histopathological report showed atypical cells which were diffusely positive for cluster of differentiation (CD)20. Focally positive for CD45 and CD3 which was positive in reactive T lymphocytes. Immunohistochemistry pattern favors the diagnosis of B-cell type NHL. Through this case report, we want to share our experience in treating an aggressive tumor that mimics salivary gland pathology.

Clinical-epidemiological characterization of human anal papilloma virus infection coloproctology unit: Central University Hospital Dr. "Antonio Maria Pineda"

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted viral diseases. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted with the purpose of clinically and epidemiologically characterizing anal HPV infection in patients who attended the Benign Orificial Pathology Consultation of the Coloproctological Unit at the Dr. "Antonio María Pineda" Central University Hospital, during the period March 2022 -February 2023, by selecting 288 patients whose average age was 47.09 ± 14.61 years, being the 41-50 years old group (29.17%) and the 51-60 years old group (19.44%) the most affected groups by pathologies of the anal region, with a predominance of male (54.17%). The sociodemographic characteristics with the highest frequency included married (48.61%) and single (47.22%); secondary level of education (44.44%) and traders (18.05%) and housewives (15, 28%) as predominant occupations. The risk factors were represented by onset of sexual intercourse between 16-20 years of age (65.28%), heterosexuality (91.67%), 22.22% reported having anal sex and 5.56% oral sex. Likewise, 5.56% were reported with a history of genital HPV and 4.17% were HIV positive. In addition, 48.61% stated not to use condoms. The initial clinical diagnosis included hemorrhoidal disease (30.55%), anal fistula (25%) and anal fissure (18.05%), and one patient (1.39%) with anal HPV infection. Anal cytology results showed 8.33% flat epithelial cells with cytopathic changes suggestive of HPV infection and 1.39% squamous cells with cytopathic changes suggestive of HPV infection: 50% mild inflammatory negative for malignancy and 33.33% flat epithelial cells without atypia. In conclusion, the anal cytology investigation should continue to determine the actual frequency of anal HPV infection. (AU)

Relación entre ausencia de células endocervicales y citología Papanicolaou negativa en portadoras de lesiones escamosas premalignas de cuello uterino

Objetivo : Determinar la relación entre la ausencia de células endocervicales y resultados citológicos Papanicolaou falsos negativos. Material y métodos : Estudio observacional, de enfoque cuantitativo, transversal, relacional y retrospectivo realizado en el Servicio de Anatomía Patológica del Hospital General de Huacho. Se realizó la búsqueda de resultados de biopsias de cuello uterino positivos para lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas y sus respectivos resultados citológicos Papanicolaou previos durante los años 2016 al 2018. Se seleccionó los resultados negativos con ausencia de células endocervicales. Resultados : De los 158 resultados citológicos, 23 mostraron ausencia de células endocervicales y de éstos, sólo dos (8,7%) fueron reportados como negativos. En total 11 (7%) citologías fueron negativas. Conclusiones : No se encontró relación entre la ausencia de células endocervicales y resultados citológicos falsos negativos; por tanto, no influyó de manera significativa en la detección de lesiones escamosas premalignas de cuello uterino.

SUMMARY Objective : To determine the relationship between absence of endocervical cells and false negative Pap smears in patients with squamous premalignant cervix lesions. Methods : A cross sectional study was carried out at Servicio de Anatomía Patológica del Hospital General de Huacho. A search for positive cervix biopsies for squamous intraepithelial lesions and their Pap smears from 2016 to 2018 was done. Negative Pap smears with absence of endocervical cells were investigated. Results : 23 out of 158 cytology results showed absence of endocervical cells, only two (8.7%) were reported negative. Eleven cytologies were negative (7%). Conclusions : No relationship was found between absence of endocervical cells and false negative results at Pap smears. Therefore, no influence in the detection of squamous pre-malignant cells was found.

Virological and cytological changes in tears and conjunctiva of patients with COVID-19

Purpose: To analyze the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS?CoV?2) in tears/conjunctival epithelium and assess the cytomorphological changes in the conjunctival epithelium of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID?19) patients. Methods: In this pilot study, patients with moderate to severe COVID?19 were recruited from the COVID ward/intensive care unit of the institute. Tears and conjunctival swabs were collected from COVID?19 patients and sent to the virology laboratory for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT?PCR) testing. Conjunctival swabs were used to prepare smears, which underwent cytological evaluation and immunocytochemistry for SARS?CoV?2 nucleocapsid protein. Results: Forty?two patients were included. The mean age of participants was 48.61 (range: 5–75) years. Seven (16.6%) patients tested positive for SARS?CoV?2 ribonucleic acid in tears samples, four (9.5%) of which were positive on conjunctival swab by RT?PCR in the first test. Cytomorphological changes were observed significantly more in smears from patients with positive RT?PCR on tear samples, including bi?/multi?nucleation (p = 0.01), chromatin clearing (p = 0.02), and intra?nuclear inclusions (p < 0.001). One case (3.2%) showed immunopositivity for SARS?CoV?2; this patient had severe disease and the lowest Ct values for tear and conjunctival samples among all positive cases. Conclusion: Conjunctival smears from patients with COVID?19 revealed cytomorphological alterations, even in the absence of clinically significant ocular infection. However, viral proteins were demonstrated within epithelial cells only rarely, suggesting that although the conjunctival epithelium may serve as a portal for entry, viral replication is possibly rare or short?lived.

Role Of Scrape Cytology In The Intraoperative Diagnosis Of Tumour

Background: Intra operative pathological assessment has offered a very valuable service in patient management. The present study was done to evaluate the status of intraoperative cytology as a diagnostic and supportive investigation for various tumours. To evaluate the utility of imprint /scrape cytology for the rapid diagnosis ofAim and objectives: surgically removed specimens. 70 surgically removed specimens from various organs andMaterials and Methods: systems were studied. Smears were taken from each specimen before formalin fixation and stained by modified rapid H&E and Papanicolaou staining. Cytological diagnosis was made and then results were compared with the histological diagnosis taking the latter as the gold standard. Out of the 70 cases sampled, 70 were satisfactory forResults: evaluation. Overall accuracy rate was 87.14 % .Six cases of false positive diagnosis and 3 false negative diagnosis were made .Positive predictive value was 75% and negative predictive value was 93.47%. Imprint /scrapeConclusions: cytology is a good complement for the rapid diagnosis in histopathological study of tumor/tumor like lesions and intra operative cytology can be used an adjunct to frozen section.

A comparative study of conventional cytology and cell block in the diagnosis of pleural effusion with special reference to immunohistochemistry

Background: Body cavity fluids are evaluated by cell block (CB) technique. In conventional cytological smears (CS), appropriate identification of the cells as either reactive mesothelial cells or malignant cells is a diagnostic problem. In CB method, there is increase in cellularity, so it gives more morphological details of cells and improving the sensitivity of diagnosis. Sections obtained by CB method are also can be stored for future study like immunohistochemistry (IHC). Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic efficacy of CB technique over conventional CS and to study of IHC in CB of malignant pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: This will be institution-based, cross-sectional, and observational study. The pleural fluid (except blood and pus) obtained by thoracocentesis from both male and female patient (>18 years of age) 100 cases was included in the study. Pleural fluid mixed with blood/pus, fluid from cystic lesion, and inadequate sample (<15 ml vol.) were excluded in the study. Results: Association between architectural pattern in CB versus architectural pattern in cytology smear showed statistically significant value Chi-square: 201.7417, P < 0.0001. Conclusion: We may conclude that CB technique is better than conventional cytology smear technique especially in case of malignant pleural effusion. It increases true positive cases and decreases false negative cases. It also increases cellularity, maintain architectural pattern, and cellular morphology.

A New Brazilian Device for Cervical Cancer Screening: Acceptability and Accuracy of Self-sampling / Um Novo Dispositivo Brasileiro para Diagnóstico de Câncer Cervical: Aceitabilidade e Precisão da Autoamostragem

Abstract Objective To evaluate the accuracy and patient acceptability toward self-sampling using a new device - SelfCervix® - for detecting HPV-DNA. Methods A total of 73 women aged 25-65 who underwent regular cervical cancer screening from March to October 2016 were included. Women performed self-sampling followed by a physician-sampling, and the samples were analyzed for HPV-DNA. After that, patients were surveyed about their acceptability of self-sampling. Results HPV-DNA detection rate of self-sampling presented high accuracy and was similar to physician-collection. Sixty-four (87.7%) patients answered the acceptability survey. Most patients (89%) considered the self-sampling comfortable, and 82.5% preferred self-sampling to physician-sampling. The reasons cited were time-saving and convenience. Fifty-one (79.7%) reported that they would recommend self-sampling. Conclusion Self-sampling using the new Brazilian device SelfCervix® is not inferior in HPV-DNA detection rate compared with physician-collection, and patients are supportive of the method. Therefore, it might be an option to reach under-screened populations in Brazil.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar a acurácia e aceitabilidade da auto-coleta utilizando um novo coletor - SelfCervix® - para a detecção de DNA de HPV. Métodos Foram incluídas no estudo 73 mulheres com idade entre 25-65 anos que realizaram seu rastreamento regular do câncer de colo do útero entre Março e Outubro de 2016. Estas mulheres realizaram a auto-coleta, seguida de coleta profissional e as amostras foram analisadas paraa presença de DNA de HPV. Após, elas responderam um questionário sobre a experiência da auto-coleta. Resultados As taxas de detecção de DNA de HPV por auto-coleta foram altas e similares as da coleta profissional. Sessenta e quatro (87,7%) pacientes responderam o questionário de experiência. A maioria (89%) considerou a auto-coleta confortável, e 82,5% preferiram o método comparado a coleta profissional. As razões citadas foram economia de tempo e conveniência. Cinquenta e uma (79,7%) mulheres confirmaram que recomendariam a auto-coleta. Conclusão Auto-coleta utilizando o novo coletor desenvolvido no Brasil não é inferior na detecção de DNA de HPV quando comparada a coleta profissional, e apresenta uma boa aceitabilidade pelas mulheres. Desta maneira, pode ser uma opção para alcançar populações que não realizam o rastreamento padrão.

Comparing the efficacy of sodium hyaluronate eye drops and carboxymethylcellulose eye drops in treating mild to moderate dry eye disease

Purpose: Aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of sodium hyaluronate (SH) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) eye drops in treating mild to moderate dry eye disease in terms of relief of symptoms, mean change in tear film breakup time, Schirmer’s test, and impression cytology of conjunctiva from baseline. Methods: An observational study was carried out during a 2?year period in our tertiary referral hospital. The study consisted of 60 patients randomly allotted to two groups to receive SH and CMC eye drops for an 8?week period. Ocular surface disease index, tear film breakup time, and Schirmer’s test were performed at baseline visit and 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, and impression cytology of conjunctiva was performed at baseline and 8 weeks. Results: Significant improvement in patient symptoms, tear film breakup time, and Schirmer’s test from baseline was seen in both SH and CMC groups at 8 weeks posttreatment, whereas impression cytology of conjunctiva in both groups did not show significant improvement at 8 weeks of treatment. Data analysis using unpaired t?test showed comparable results. Conclusion: Both CMC and SH demonstrated equal efficacy in treating mild to moderate dry eye disease.

Prevalence of dry eye, its categorization (Dry Eye Workshop II), and pathological correlation: A tertiary care study

Purpose: To study the prevalence of dry eye disease (DED), further categorize using DEWS II protocol, grade squamous metaplasia in each group, and determine associated risk factors in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross?sectional hospital?based study screened 897 patients ?30 years via systematic random sampling. Patients with both symptoms and signs as defined by the Dry Eye Workshop II protocol were considered as DED, further categorized, and subjected to impression cytology. Categorical data were assessed using the Chi?square test. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In total, 265 (of 897) patients were defined as DED based on the presence of symptoms (DEQ?5 ?6) and at least one positive sign (fluorescein breakup time [FBUT] <10 s or OSS ?4). DED prevalence was thus 29.5% with aqueous deficient dry eye (ADDE), evaporative dry eye (EDE), and mixed type seen in 92 (34.71%), 105 (39.62%), and 68 (25.7%) patients, respectively. The risk of developing dry eye was higher in the age above 60 years (33.74%) and in the third decade. Females, urban dwellers, diabetics, smokers, history of previous cataract surgery, and usage of visual display terminal devices were found to be significantly associated with risk factors of DED. Squamous metaplasia and goblet cell loss were more severe in mixed compared to EDE and ADDE. Conclusion: Hospital?based prevalence of DED is 29.5% with a preponderance of EDE (EDE 39.62%, ADDE 34.71%, and mixed 25.71%). A higher grade of squamous metaplasia was seen in the mixed type compared to other sub?types.

Tzanck cytology smear in diagnosis of cutaneous talaromycosis (penicilliosis)

Talaromyces marneffei infection is an AIDS-defining illness in South and Southeast Asia. Travel-related talaromycosis is being increasingly recognized in non-endemic areas too. It is a potentially fatal infection with rapid deterioration, if left untreated. Usage of Tzanck cytology smear for rapid diagnosis of T. marneffei is rarely described. In this case study, we report a man who presented with altered behaviour, headache, fever and cutaneous lesions. Tzanck smear test, skin biopsy and blood culture showed presence of T. marneffei. The cytomorphology findings of T. marneffei in Tzanck cytology smear were described. In conclusion, Tzanck smear is a simple and inexpensive test in establishing a rapid clinical diagnosis of talaromycosis before the culture is reported

Detection and Comparision of Cytopathological Changes in Smokers and Non-Smokers: A Comparative Study

Background: Oral cancer is one of the sixth most common cancers in the world. Oral exfoliative cytology is one of the popular screening tool for oral cancer. Use of tobacco in any form are documented as the most common cause as initiators for dysplastic changes in oral mucosa. The purpose of the study was to detect the cytological changes in buccal mucosa, tongue and palate among non-smokers & smokers. Material & Methods: Smears sample were collected according to site (buccal mucosa, tongue & palate) from 100 subjects among smokers & non-smokers. Smears were then stained using Papanicolaou staining technique. Results: Among the smokers and non-smokers the results were statistically significant. Conclusion: Recent advances in the clinical visualization and detection of the oral mucosa have made the viability of cytological procedures more specific and sensitive. Contact endoscopy and use of autofluorescence devices are the forerunners in this group. The fluorescence characteristics of tissues depend upon their biochemical composition and histomorphological architecture, both of which undergo a change during malignant transformation. These changes are detectable as an alteration in the fluorescence spectral profile of the tissues21. Due to low feasibilities of such devices the benchmark of diagnosis will be microscopic tissue examination. Hence cytological smears will always be highly specific, sensitive, easy to use and reproducible procedures in routine screening of population for potentially and malignant conditions of the oral cavity.

Body fluids: Comparison of liquid based cytology with conventional cytopreparatory technique

Introduction: In the diagnosis of malignant tumors, cytological examinations of various body fluids are useful. For the preparation of body fluid, many methods are used till date. The use of liquid-based cytology is new upcoming in the field. Aim: To examine the performance of liquid-based cytology on body cavity fluids as compared to conventional cytopreparatory techniques. Methodology: In the present study, 700 body fluid samples were processed by both liquid- based cytology (BD SurePath™) and conventional cytopreparatory technique (Thick & Thin). The performance of both techniques was compared in terms of “smear quality” and “overall diagnostic test performance.” Results: Out of 155 body fluid samples from proven malignancy patients, 32 (20.65%) were reported as Positive for malignancy, 23 (14.84%) as Suspicious of malignancy, and 100 (64.51%) as Negative for malignancy by CS (Thick and Thin). A total of 44 (28.39%) were reported as Positive for malignancy, 12 (7.74%) as Suspicious of malignancy, and 99 (63.87%) as Negative for malignancy by LBC. Conclusion: Liquid-based cytology is advantageous over conventional techniques in cytomorphology of body fluids, but not better in sensitivity and specificity. Also saves cytopathologist's valuable time for screening.

Evaluation of Efficacy of IAC Yokahama Reporting System For Breast Cytology – A Single Institutional Experience.

Purpose: Breast fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has a long history of providing accurate, rapid and cost-effective diagnosis of palpable breast lesions. Recently, International Academy of Cytology (IAC) at Yokohama proposed a new reporting system for breast cytology, in order to bring uniformity across the globe. Any new classification system needs to be validated for its practical applicability. Objectives: This study was conducted to categorize the breast lesions as per this classification and further determine the diagnostic efficacy and risk of malignancy in each category. Material and methods: This was a cross sectional observational analytical study. All the cases presenting to cytology OPD from Janurary 2020 upto December 2022, (N=296) with breast lesions for FNAC were included in the study. All the cases were divided into five categories as per the newly proposed IAC Yokohama reporting system. The risk of malignancy for each category was determined and diagnostic efficacy was evaluated.Results:The sample were distributed as follows: insufficient material 4.39%, benign 66.21%, atypical 10.47%, suspicious for malignancy 1.35% and malignancy 17.56%. Histopathology was obtained in 88 cases, out of which 82 (93.18%) showed concordant diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity were 85.71% and 98.11% respectively. Risk of malignancy (ROM) in each category was as follows-benign (0.01%), atypia (71.4%), suspicious (100%) and malignancy (96.66%) respectively.Conclusion:The high efficacy of FNAC obtained in the present study, when IAC Yokohama reporting system was applied, confirms the usefulness of this scheme in reporting breast lesions. A risk-based stratification is essential in the present era to guide and alert the clinician about the subsequent management plan and the ROM.

Patrón inflamatorio de las vías aéreas en pacientes fumadores con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica / Inflammatory pattern of the airways in COPD smokers

Introducción: La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica cursa con un patrón inflamatorio en la vía aérea que incluye neutrófilos, macrófagos, linfocitos, los cuales se pueden obtener mediante un cepillado bronquial citológico. Objetivos: Identificar patrón inflamatorio según células inflamatorias presentes en la vía aérea, mediante el cepillado bronquial citológico e índice tabáquico de paquetes/año en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, que concurrieron al Hospital Neumológico Benéfico-Jurídico, en el período comprendido de junio de 2018 a junio de 2019, con indicación para la realización de fibrobroncoscopía con cepillado bronquial. Resultados: El 53,1 por ciento de los pacientes corresponden al sexo masculino. Un 46,1 por ciento presentó un índice tabáquico de paquetes/año entre 21-40. Predominaron las criptas y estrías como hallazgos broncoscópicos con un 51 por ciento y 40,8 por ciento respectivamente en pacientes con índice paquetes/año mayor que 40. De los pacientes con índice paquetes/año mayor de 40 (13 para un 26,5 por ciento) presentaron hiperplasia de células basales. El 46,9 por ciento de los pacientes presentaron un patrón inflamatorio neutrofílica. Conclusiones: Se identificaron a los pacientes con EPOC que presentaron patrón inflamatorio neutrofílica en la vía aérea y elevado índice tabáquico y desde el punto de vista broncoscópico tienen varios hallazgos que sugieren cronicidad(AU)

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease presents with an inflammatory pattern in the airway that includes neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes, which can be obtained by cytological bronchial brushing. Objectives: To identify inflammatory pattern according to inflammatory cells present in the airway, through cytological bronchial brushing and smoking rate of packs/year in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, who attended Benefico-Jurídico Pneumological Hospital, from June 2018 to June 2019, with an indication for fiberoptic bronchoscopy with bronchial brushing. Results: 53.1percent of the patients correspond to the male sex. 46.1percent ad a smoking rate of packs/year between 21-40. Crypts and striae predominated as bronchoscopic findings with 51percent and 40.8percent respectively in patients with a pack/year index greater than 40. Patients with a pack/year index greater than 40 (13 for 26.5percent) showed basal cell hyperplasia. 46.9percent of the patients had a neutrophilic inflammatory pattern. Conclusions: Patients with COPD who had a neutrophilic inflammatory pattern in the airway and high smoking index were identified, and from the bronchoscopic point of view they have several findings that suggest chronicity(AU)

Risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda categories III, III - subcategories and IV: 2.5 years study

Introduction: Thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has gained significance as a quick, safe, and relatively simple method to differentiate malignant from benign thyroid nodules and is regarded as the gold-standard first-line diagnostic test in the evaluation of thyroid nodules. The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (TBSRTC) established a standardized, category-based reporting system for thyroid FNAC with each category having an implied cancer risk. However, the optimal management of thyroid nodules in the Bethesda III and IV categories is controversial, given the variable malignancy rates. Aims/Objectives: (1) Analysis of the cytomorphological characteristics of patients with categories III and IV of “TBSRTC.” (2) Assessment of risk of malignancy of TBSRTC category III, IV, and substratification of TBSRTC category III. Materials and Methods: A retrospective and prospective study of cases categorized under TBSRTC as category III and IV at a tertiary-care center. Cytological along with their histological results were compared. Results: We identified an overall malignancy rate of 33% for nodules belonging to Bethesda category III and a malignancy rate between 19% and 33% for Bethesda category IV. Also, a significantly higher risk of malignancy in subcategories with nuclear and architectural atypia (66.6%) than only architectural atypia (28.7%). Conclusion: Although surgery is recommended in most of these cases, cytomorphology helps to predict the final histopathological findings with greater accuracy. Substratification of category III into subgroups may help reduce the heterogeneity of the atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance category and more.

Concordancia de los hallazgos citológicos, colposcópicos e histológicos en lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino / Concordance in cytological, colposcopic and histological findings in premalignant lesions of the cervix

Resumen OBJETIVO: Determinar la concordancia de los hallazgos citológicos, colposcópicos e histopatológicos en lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal, retrospectivo y comparativo, efectuado en la Clínica de Displasias del Hospital General Regional 1 del estado de Querétaro, México, del 1 de enero a diciembre del 2020, con base en la información de los expedientes de mujeres con reporte citológico, colposcópico e histopatológico (biopsia) de lesión intraepitelial de bajo y alto grado. El plan de análisis estadístico incluyó intervalos de confianza para promedios y porcentajes. Se utilizó el Índice de Kappa ponderado para conocer el nivel de concordancia. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 290 expedientes. La edad promedio de las pacientes fue 36 años, el índice de kappa ponderado fue k = 0.41 (IC95%: 0.33-0.53) para la citología y la colposcopia con un valor moderado (regular). Para la citología y la biopsia fue de k= 0.33 (IC95%: 0.22-0.49) con un valor escaso (medio). En cuanto a la colposcopia y la biopsia fue de k = 0.61 (IC95%: 0.49-0.72) con un valor de buena (sustancial) concordancia. CONCLUSIÓN: Entre la citología y la colposcopia el coeficiente de concordancia fue moderado, para la citología y la biopsia fue escaso, mientras que para la colposcopia y la biopsia fue un sustancial.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To determine the concordance in cytologic, colposcopic and histopathologic findings in premalignant lesions of the uterine cervix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrospective and comparative study, carried out in the dysplasia clinic of the Hospital General Regional 1 of the state of Querétaro, Mexico, from January 1 to December 2020, based on information from the records of women with cytology, colposcopy and histopathology (biopsy) report with low- and high-grade intraepithelial lesion. The statistical analysis plan included confidence intervals for averages and percentages. The weighted Kappa Index was used to determine the level of concordance. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety records were analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 36 years, the weighted kappa index was k = 0.41 (95%CI: 0.33-0.53) for cytology and colposcopy with a moderate value (fair). For cytology and biopsy, it was k= 0.33 (95%CI: 0.22-0.49) with a poor value (medium). For colposcopy and biopsy, it was k = 0.61 (95%CI: 0.49-0.72) with a value of good (substantial) agreement. CONCLUSION: Between cytology and colposcopy the concordance coefficient was moderate, for cytology and biopsy it was poor, while for colposcopy and biopsy it was a substantial.