Cytopathology fellowship match: Pros and cons.

A cytopathology fellowship match would create an enforced and structured recruitment timeline for the benefit of applicants and programs. Major benefits would include delaying fellowship applications to allow residents to explore different subspecialty areas, a standardized application process for administrative ease, and optimization of matches between applicants and programs based on ranked preferences rather than use of time-limited "exploding offers." The overall gains in efficiency and achieving the primary goals of supporting trainees and recruiting in an equitable and inclusive manner outweigh any downsides to instituting a cytopathology fellowship match. We aim to review the major discussions around this ongoing debate, arriving at the same conclusion as others in the literature that a pan-pathology fellowship match is ideal and that leadership from the Association of Pathology Chairs will be essential in unifying the fractured fellowship recruitment process.

Evaluation of abdominal fat pad aspiration highlighting challenges to interpretation.

INTRODUCTION: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of abdominal fibroadipose tissue is a commonly utilized method for the detection of amyloidosis. While generally regarded as an accurate and specific detection method, the sensitivity is variable. The objective of this study was to investigate the performance of fat pad FNAs in detecting amyloidosis relative to other tissue biopsies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fat pad FNA results from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2022, were catalogued. Clinical data including FNA indication were ascertained for each case. The results of any subsequent tissue biopsy/biopsies evaluated for amyloidosis by Congo red staining were also assessed. Challenges to diagnostic interpretation were explored. RESULTS: A total of 334 fat pad FNAs were identified. The most common indications were peripheral neuropathy (29.3%), cardiomyopathy/heart failure (28.1%), monoclonal gammopathy (27.8%), and multiple myeloma/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (21.0%). Cytologic interpretations were: 7 (2.1%) nondiagnostic, 284 (85.0%) negative, 18 (5.4%) indeterminate, 16 (4.8%) suspicious, and 9 (2.7%) positive for amyloid deposition. In our sample, 103 (30.8%) patients had Congo red testing performed on a subsequent surgical specimen(s) including: 3 of 7 of nondiagnostic cases, none which were positive on the subsequent surgical; 70 of 284 negative cases, 27 which were positive on the subsequent surgical; 11 of 18 indeterminate cases, 7 which were positive on the subsequent surgical; 13 of 16 suspicious cases, 2 which were positive on the subsequent surgical; and 6 of 9 positive cases, 3 which were positive on the subsequent surgical. Challenges to FNA interpretation included scant cellularity, focal staining/birefringence, and overstaining. CONCLUSIONS: It is best to view fat pad aspiration versus other tissue biopsy results as complimentary diagnostic tests that should be interpreted in the context of the clinical setting and overall clinical suspicion for amyloidosis.

A case of lung FNA with atypical squamous cells.

Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a commonly employed method for initial diagnosis and work-up of pulmonary nodules. Utilization of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) has the added benefit of allowing for triaging of material as appropriate for ancillary studies including microbiology testing. While many pulmonary lesions are easily categorized by cytologic evaluation, more difficult cases exist. In particular, pulmonary lesions demonstrating atypical squamoid cells can cause diagnostic challenge given the morphologic overlap between benign and malignant pulmonary lesions showing atypical squamoid cells. We herein review these common and uncommon squamoid lesions, which may enter within the differential when encountering atypical squamoid cells in pulmonary FNA specimens with emphasis on morphologic pitfalls and approaches to appropriate categorization.

Challenging lesions in cervical cytology: The elusive HSIL.

Cervical cytology has been an integral part of cervical cancer screening since the mid-20th century with the implementation of screening protocols utilising Pap testing. During that time, cervical cancer has gone from the leading cause of cancer deaths in women to not even appearing in the top 10 causes of US cancer deaths. However, despite its long and widespread use, cervical cytology remains a diagnostically challenging area in the practice of cytopathology. Of particular importance for diagnosticians is the accurate diagnosis of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs), given the significant risk of progression to invasive cervical cancer and the importance to patient management. Therefore, this review is presented in order to highlight the diagnostic features of HSIL, its various appearances, and important benign and neoplastic differential considerations with an emphasis on morphological clues that can aid in distinguishing between these different processes.

Cervicovaginal Papanicolaou tests in transgender men: Cytomorphologic alterations, interpretation considerations, and clinical implications.

BACKGROUND: The transgender population faces unique psychosocial and physical obstacles to cervical cancer screening. Additionally, most individuals undergo masculinizing testosterone hormone therapy, and the physiologic changes can cause cytomorphologic alterations that may mimic lesions. Although the literature on cervicovaginal cytology is growing in this patient population, it is still limited. METHODS: The pathology information system was queried for all Papanicolaou (Pap) tests from transgender men from January 2013 to February 2023. The original diagnostic categories were catalogued. Cases were reviewed to evaluate the cytomorphologic alterations. Clinical data were also sought, including whether the sample was self-collected. Two comparison groups were established: one was a postpartum atrophic group and the other was an all-comer group. RESULTS: A total of 51 cases from 43 individuals were identified, with a mean age of 31 years. Approximately a third of cases (18 of 51; 35%) were self-collected. The abnormal rate was low, with 5.9% of cases rendered atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance on original review and no lesions identified. The Pap unsatisfactory rate according to original reports was 3.9%. This increased to 13.7% when the cases were rereviewed, which was significantly higher than the all-comer comparison group. The unsatisfactory rate did not correlate with self-collection. Atrophy was a prevalent cytomorphologic alteration, with the vast majority of cases (92%) showing at least mild atrophy. Small blue cells and transitional cell metaplasia were seen in many cases (53% and 43%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There are clinical and morphologic considerations that are distinct to the transgender patient population. Laboratory personnel and diagnosticians need to be aware of these in order to optimize patient care.

Cytopathology fellowship recruitment: historical context, current state, and future considerations.

Fellowship recruitment and retention of a skilled workforce is one of the biggest challenges that not only cytopathology is facing but that the field of pathology in general is being confronted with. There have long been issues with the fellowship recruitment process for both applicants and fellowship directors, including pressure to move the application process earlier and earlier and frustrations stemming from applicants needing to determine different individual timelines and program requirements. The unified timeline for fellowship recruitment was established as an attempt to standardize the recruitment process and to address the key issues of the push for earlier and earlier decision-making, which placed significant anxiety on trainees, as well as the burden on programs of more unexpected openings. While institution of the unified timeline has had many successes, there have been problems as well. Here, we discuss the multifaceted and intertwined factors that affect fellowship recruitment with a review of the historical context and the current setting and with an eye towards future directions. In the end, the issues we are currently facing are complex and there is likely no perfect solution to fixing an inherently broken system. However, the ultimate goal should be in better supporting our trainees' development and promoting a more fair and equitable recruitment process. Only by working together can we optimize the process for both applicants and programs alike.

Quality metrics in non-gynecologic cytology: results from the 2022 American Society of Cytopathology survey.

INTRODUCTION: Rapid advancements in minimally invasive techniques and the discovery of molecular biomarkers have resulted in major changes in the practice of non-gynecologic cytology and have highlighted a need for novel quality assurance (QA) metrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To obtain data regarding the current and desired usage, methods of collection, and barriers to the implementation of non-gynecologic cytopathology QA, an 18-question survey was constructed by the Clinical Practice Committee of the American Society for Cytopathology. RESULTS: A total of 206 responses were received. Respondents included 112 (54.4%) cytopathologists, 81 (39.3%) cytotechnologists, and 13 others. Almost all (97%) acknowledged the value of assessing QA metrics in cytology. The most commonly used QA metrics were cytotechnologist-pathologist diagnostic agreement and pathologist amendment rates. The desire to implement non-gynecologic QA metrics was significantly higher among academic hospitals, relative to nonacademic facilities. A combined manual and electronic approach to collect QA data was generally used (70% of institutions). QA metrics were more often collected by the cytology laboratory supervisors (59.5%), while the evaluation was most often performed by the cytology laboratory director (76.5%). Limited staffing and laboratory information system (LIS) capabilities were cited as major challenges in the implementation of novel QA metrics. CONCLUSIONS: While the collection of quality data might be perceived as an onerous task, a thoughtful selection of quality indicators, with an inbuilt search option in LIS, can contribute to the successful implementation of non-gynecologic QA metrics.

Multi-institutional 10-year retrospective review of amoeba diagnosed on cytologic evaluation of anal pap tests: what is the significance?

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal amoebae are usually transmitted via ingestion of amoebic cysts in fecally contaminated water or food. However, other modes of transmission include sexual contact through anal-oral sex. While the primary role of anal cytology is the detection of anal cancer and precursor lesions, organisms can also be identified. Despite this, assessment of the clinical significance of cytologic identification of amoebae is lacking in the literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 10-year retrospective review of the pathology archives of 2 institutions in Boston, Massachusetts was conducted. Anal Pap tests that identified amoeba were reviewed and correlated with the medical records for investigation into clinical parameters and patient management. RESULTS: A total of 46 cases were identified between the 2 sites. The majority of patients were male (95.7%) and endorsed having sex with men (84.8%). Only a minority endorsed recent travel (6.5%). Most of the patients were also HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)-positive (71.1%) with all of these patients being well-controlled on antiretroviral therapy. Most patients were asymptomatic (87.0%). On review of the anal Pap tests, the average organism number per case was 35.4. In the majority of cases, follow-up microbiology testing for confirmation and/or speciation was not performed (89.1%) and were not treated (93.5%). CONCLUSIONS: While identification of amoeba is possible on anal cytology, the clinical significance remains unclear as most patients were asymptomatic and not treated in this series. Ultimately, the clinical setting likely plays an important role in determination of management.

Thyroblastoma: A DICER1-associated embryonal neoplasm and fine needle aspiration diagnostic criteria.

Thyroblastoma is a rare, aggressive embryonal thyroid neoplasm associated with DICER1 mutation. It usually presents as a rapidly growing thyroid mass diffusely infiltrating the thyroid lobes and extending into perithyroidal tissue. Most thyroblastomas were initially diagnosed as malignant teratoma or carcinosarcoma. The cytologic features of thyroblastoma have not been well documented. Here, we present the cytological findings of a case of thyroblastoma in a 19-year-old female with a dominant solid left thyroid nodule. A fine needle aspiration biopsy of the mass revealed a highly cellular aspirate composed of crowded, atypical, high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratio epithelial cells, arranged in a variety of architectural patterns including rosette-like microfollicular, solid, and morular. In addition, the background contains a minor population of atypical mesenchymal cells. The cytologic differential diagnosis of thyroblastoma includes primary thyroid neoplasms such as adenomatous nodule, follicular adenoma, follicular carcinoma, and poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma as well as metastatic carcinoma.

Fun with fungi: a comprehensive review of common fungal organisms encountered in cytology.

The ability to detect and diagnose infection is essential in the practice of cytopathology. The identification of suppurative or granulomatous inflammation should prompt careful evaluation for infection. Many of the most commonly encountered fungal organisms demonstrate characteristic microscopic appearances that allow accurate identification even with routine cytology stains, particularly when considered in the context of clinical factors such as geographic location, social history, patient immune status, and symptoms. Given the vital role cytopathologists play in the accurate diagnosis or presumptive identification of infections, this review explores the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and morphologic features of common fungal pathogens in addition to their differential diagnoses and ancillary testing methods.

Criteria for placental examination for obstetrical and neonatal providers.

Pathologic examination of the placenta can provide insight into likely (and unlikely) causes of antepartum and intrapartum events, diagnoses with urgent clinical relevance, prognostic information for mother and infant, support for practice evaluation and improvement, and insight into advancing the sciences of obstetrics and neonatology. Although it is true that not all placentas require pathologic examination (although alternative opinions have been expressed), prioritization of placentas for pathologic examination should be based on vetted indications such as maternal comorbidities or pregnancy complications in which placental pathology is thought to be useful for maternal or infant care, understanding pathophysiology, or practice modifications. Herein we provide placental triage criteria for the obstetrical and neonatal provider based on publications and expert opinion of 16 placental pathologists and a pathologists' assistant, formulated using a modified Delphi approach. These criteria include indications in which placental pathology has clinical relevance, such as pregnancy loss, maternal infection, suspected abruption, fetal growth restriction, preterm birth, nonreassuring fetal heart testing requiring urgent delivery, preeclampsia with severe features, or neonates with early evidence of multiorgan system failure including neurologic compromise. We encourage a focused gross examination by the provider or an attendant at delivery for all placentas and provide guidance for this examination. We recommend that any placenta that is abnormal on gross examination undergo a complete pathology examination. In addition, we suggest practice criteria for placental pathology services, including a list of critical values to be used by the relevant provider. We hope that these sets of triage indications, criteria, and practice suggestions will facilitate appropriate submission of placentas for pathologic examination and improve its relevance to clinical care.

Cell blocks in cytology: review of preparation methods, advantages, and limitations.

Cell blocks are cytologic preparations that are processed as paraffin embedded blocks in a manner comparable to formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue in surgical pathology. In addition to serving as an adjunct to other cytologic preparations for morphologic diagnosis, cell blocks play an increasingly important role as they yield tissue sections that can be utilized for ancillary testing such as immunohistochemical stains and molecular studies. While essentially universally viewed as playing a pivotal role in cytopathology practice, there are various factors that limit their use in practice and contribute to dissatisfaction with cell block quality. Cell block preparation, as opposed to tissue processing in surgical pathology, is more variable with many different protocols in use today. This review explores the most commonly used cell block preparation techniques currently in use with review of the unique advantages and limitations each method presents. The goal of this work is to serve as a resource that can aid in making more informed decisions about which cell block protocol may work best for individual laboratories.

Leveraging thoughtful quality metric selection for individual and system improvements: the atypical category and use of dashboards.

Quality management is integral to the practice of cytopathology, especially given the heavily manual workflows and expanding ancillary testing requirements inherent to the cytopathology laboratory. Monitoring quality data like turnaround time, specimen unsatisfactory rates, and diagnostic category utilization rates allows for better understanding of performance with opportunities for targeted improvement if there are variations from that which is expected. However, there are costs to quality monitoring including the time and resources needed, and, in already taxed systems, quality management risks being viewed as just another box to check. While there are mandated quality metrics that must be collected by cytology laboratories, thoughtful selection of key performance indicators can be of tremendous benefit in helping to better understand complex laboratory processes and directing improvement endeavors where needed. The following short communication is a discussion on quality management in the cytopathology laboratory from 3 Cytopathology Quality Management Directors. The discussion focuses on monitoring the atypical reporting category with an emphasis on how trending and visualizing quality metrics can provide laboratories with key data.

Utilization of Oil Red O staining for assessing aspiration risk in lung transplant patients: A multidisciplinary prospective study with clinical practice insights.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease with microaspiration has been associated with graft dysfunction in lung transplant patients. Identifying patients with aspiration is clinically important because it enables implementation of appropriate interventions like antireflux therapy. Oil Red O (ORO) staining with determination of the lipid-laden macrophage index (LLMI) has been proposed as a noninvasive surrogate marker in the detection of aspiration. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate clinical utilization of ORO staining in the assessment of aspiration risk. METHODS: All transbronchial surgical pathology biopsies obtained in lung transplant patients undergoing routine surveillance from August 2020 through November 2021 were included in this study. Clinical team members prospectively ascertained the aspiration risk category (ARC) of each patient both before and after biopsy findings and recorded reasons for change in ARC. RESULTS: A total of 132 transbronchial biopsies with concurrent LLMI were included in the study. LLMI was low in 51 cases (38.6%), including 21 of the 54 cases (38.9%) where aspiration was suggested based on the transbronchial biopsy findings. In total, 19 cases (14.4%) underwent a change in ARC post-biopsy including 10 that were upgraded and nine cases that were downgraded. Transbronchial biopsy findings were noted as the reason for change in ARC in the majority (15/19; 79%) of cases; only a minority (2/19; 10.5%) were due to the LLMI. Notably, 16 cases (12.1%) had a low LLMI with high-risk post-biopsy ARC and nine cases (6.8%) had a high LLMI with low-risk post-biopsy ARC. CONCLUSIONS: This study observed that clinical evaluation for aspiration relied more heavily on transbronchial biopsy findings. Although LLMI may retain clinical utility in some scenarios, reevaluation of the clinical value of ORO testing would be prudent.

The value of monitoring amended reports in cytopathology quality programs: A biennial review.

BACKGROUND: Quality and safety are the foundation of the practice of cytopathology. Review of key performance indicator (KPI) data can shine a light on laboratory vulnerabilities and potential areas for targeted improvement. The rate and content of amendment reports is a frequently monitored KPI in anatomic pathology, but few have studied its value in cytopathology. The goal of this study was to examine the frequency, classification, and outcome of amendments for a large cytopathology laboratory. METHODS: All amendment reports issued for cases during a 2-year period from July 2019 to June 2021 were included in the study. Amendments were classified into three error type root causes: Specimen Identification Error, General Report Defects, and Diagnostic Error. RESULTS: A total of 202 amendment reports were issued equating to a rate of 0.275%. A total of 83 (41.1%) were gynecologic cases and 119 (58.9%) were nongynecologic cases. Within the gynecologic cases, 13 (15.7%) cases were due to Specimen Identification Error, 13 (15.7%) cases were due to Diagnostic Error, and 57 (68.7%) cases were due to General Report Defects. Within the nongynecologic cases, 15 (12.6%) cases were due to Specimen Identification Error, 30 (25.2%) cases were due to General Report Defects, and 74 (62.2%) cases were due to Diagnostic Error with 32 of these due to true diagnostic change. Discovery methods included following re-review after additional clinical information was provided, reinterpretation after additional ancillary testing was performed, or conference review. There was no correlation with years in practice. CONCLUSIONS: Studying amendment reports is an underrecognized and valuable quality assurance tool. Amendments can help provide information about types of errors, monitor laboratory processes, and help guide quality improvement endeavors.

Crystals and crystalloids in cytopathology: Incidence and importance.

Many crystals and crystal-like structures may be encountered in cytopathology practice and can represent both beautiful novelties and diagnostic aids. The authors present an organ-specific review of the published literature on crystals combined with personal experiences. The purpose is not only to serve as a reference guide by highlighting the clinical and morphologic features of crystals, crystalloids, and crystal-like structures but also to review their significance and to offer reporting strategies in cases that bear management implications.

The Milan System classification of Warthin tumor: A large institutional study of 124 cases highlighting cytologic features that limit definitive interpretation.

BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is highly accurate for the diagnosis of Warthin tumor (WT). However, there is a minor subset of WT cases that are more challenging to interpret. The goal of this study is to identify factors that limit definitive diagnosis of WT on FNA. METHODS: All WT surgical specimens diagnosed during a 6.5-year study period were retrospectively identified and the preceding cytologic specimen diagnostic categories were analyzed. Of particular interest were WT cases with indeterminate or malignant interpretations. Cases that noted squamous or mucinous change in either the surgical or cytologic reports were also reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 157 WT surgical specimens were identified, with 124 (79.0%) having prior FNAs. The distribution of cytologic diagnostic categories was 12 (9.7%) nondiagnostic, 10 (8.1%) nonneoplastic, 13 (10.5%) atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), 82 (66.1%) neoplasm: benign, 4 (3.2%) salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential (SUMP), 2 (1.6%) suspicious for malignancy, and 1 (0.8%) malignant. Of the 20 cases in indeterminate/malignant categories, a majority noted either squamoid (9 of 20) or mucinous (2 of 20) changes. The remainder noted scant cellularity as a limiting factor to interpretation. Additionally, 27 cases mentioned squamous or mucinous change in the surgical or cytology report, with a wide spectrum of cytologic categorization including 2 (7.4%) nondiagnostic, 2 (7.4%) nonneoplastic, 7 (25.9%) AUS, 8 (29.6%) neoplasm: benign, 4 (14.8%) SUMP, 2 (7.4%) suspicious for malignancy, and 1 (3.7%) malignant. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified 2 key causes for indeterminate or misclassification of WT on FNA: specimen hypocellularity and metaplastic changes. Recognition of the potential for squamous and mucinous metaplastic changes combined with observance of some helpful diagnostic clues such as the presence of crystalloids may aid in preventing diagnostic pitfalls.