Clinical audit of repeat fine needle aspiration in a general cytopathology service.

BACKGROUND: The few studies on repeat aspiration focussed on accuracy of diagnosis following repeat. Numbers and documented reasons for repeat remain unaddressed. AIM: To study factors associated with requests for repeat fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Metropolitan hospital, clinical audit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Audit of 5104 FNAC in 10 months. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Univariate, and multivariate binary logistic regression. RESULTS: Seven hundred and six patients (13.8%) were advised repeat aspirates. Three hundred and twelve of these were actually repeated (44.1%). Carryover of actually repeated aspirates to subsequent months averaged 10.8 (34.2%). Maximum numbers of repeat requests were from thyroid 76/415 (18.3%), followed by lymph node 310/1856 (16.7%), and from breast 86/716 (12.0%). Outcome of actually repeated aspirates were: Diagnostic 181/312 (58.0%), and non-diagnostic 131/312 (41.9%). Reasons for repeat were inadequate aspirates 370/706 (52.4%), non-diagnostic descriptive reports 309/706 (43.7%); in 27/706 (3.8%), no reason was mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate aspirates, non-diagnostic descriptive reports, and FNAC/FNAB from thyroid, lymph nodes, and breast contribute to repeats. We suggest steps to reduce the number of repeat aspirates to eliminate extra work.

Implementation of the bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology: interobserver concordance and reclassification of previously inconclusive aspirates.

Standardized diagnostic terminology was introduced by the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC) in an effort to bring uniformity to the reporting of thyroid cytopathology, provide more defined categories to enable clinical management, and minimize the number of inconclusive cases. Previous studies indicate that the BSRTC is a reliable and valid reporting system for thyroid cytology. This study was conducted to compare the concordance between observers with varying cytopathology experience when using the BSRTC, and to assess the impact on the number of inconclusive reports. A retrospective study was conducted in two parts. In the first part 415 thyroid aspirates were reviewed independently by three observers with different experience levels. The aspirates were reclassified according to BSRTC and agreement scores were calculated using kappa statistics. In the second part 39 inconclusive aspirates signed out previously, were recategorized according to BSRTC. Agreement level between the three observers using the BSRTC was strong (Fleiss' kappa score = 0.6561). Inconclusive cases could be categorized further with BSRTC; there was significant reduction in the number of inconclusive diagnoses (P < 0.001). Strong interobserver agreement with BSRTC indicates the ease with which the new system can be applied in regular reporting. Significant reduction in the number of inconclusive diagnoses results in better communication with the clinician and improved risk assessment for thyroid aspirates.

Immunocytochemical detection of mycobacterial antigen in extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

The aim of the study is to determine whether immunostaining for mycobacterial antigen can contribute to the cytological diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB). The study was carried out on aspirated material of lymph nodes, and other accessible sites, from 65 patients with clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). Twenty patients, diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration, with non-tuberculous granulomas served as controls. The diagnosis of TB was based on the demonstration of acid-fast bacilli (AFB), culture positivity for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), or response to treatment with standard anti-tubercular therapy. Immunostaining was done using polyclonal antibody to mycobacteria. AFB positivity by Ziehl Neelsen (ZN) staining was 21%, 65.38%, and 68% respectively in Pattern 1 (granulomas alone), in Pattern 2 (granulomas with necrosis), and in Pattern 3 (necrosis alone). Overall AFB positivity was 56.92%. Twenty-eight of 65 cases were negative for AFB on direct smear. Culture was positive in 46% (13/28). Sensitivity and specificity of immunostaining were 96.92% (63/65) and 95%, respectively. Immunoreactivity was seen in 26 (92.8%) of 28 cases which were negative by ZN staining. Except in the case of leprosy, in which cross reactivity was seen, there was no immunoreactivity in the control group. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) had high sensitivity (96.2%) and specificity (95%) in the diagnosis of EPTB. ICC may be a useful adjunct to evaluation of cytomorphology and ZN staining.

Mentoring for first year medical students: humanising medical education.

New entrants are vulnerable to the challenges of the medical course; mentoring programmes are known to offer support. This paper evaluated the experiences of students and faculty enrolled in a new mentoring programme. After needs analysis of students and faculty, a small-group mentoring programme for new medical students was initiated. Fifty-five volunteer faculty mentors were allocated two-three students each. At year-end, feedback using an open-ended questionnaire, revealed that there was no contact in one-third of the cases; the commonest reasons cited were lack of mentee initiative, time and commitment. Supportive mentors were appreciated. Over 95% of respondents believed that mentoring was a good idea; many believed the mentee benefitted; mentors also reported improved communication and affective skills; 60 (77.0%) mentees wanted to mentor new students the following year. Thus, mentoring of first-year students by faculty was effective, when contact occurred, in making the mentee feel supported. Mentoring may be a means of honing the affective domain and humanitarian instincts of medical faculty and students.

Cytokeratin-20 immunocytochemistry in voided urine cytology and its comparison with nuclear matrix protein-22 and urine cytology in the detection of urothelial carcinoma.

This study was done on 59 subjects (42 urinary bladder carcinoma patients and 17 non-neoplastic controls). Urine cytology and bladder chek NMP22 test was done on all cases. CK20 immunostaining was performed on archived papanicolaou stained urine cytology smears in 34 cases (27 bladder carcinoma and 7 negative controls). Results of all three tests (cytology, NMP22, and CK20 immunostaining) were compared with histopathology to evaluate the accuracy of individual test. The combination of cytology and NMP22 was compared with combination of cytology and CK20 immunostaining for detection of bladder carcinoma. NMP22 had sensitivity of 92.9% and specificity of 70.6%, as compared with voided urine cytology (sensitivity of 76.2% and specificity of 76.5%) and CK20 immunostaining (sensitivity of 70.4% and specificity of 71.4%). Combination of cytology and NMP22 gave better results (sensitivity of 88.1% and specificity of 88.2%) than combination of cytology and CK20 immunostaining or any other test in isolation.

A cytomorphological study of secretions in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Secretions are seen in a range of breast cancer that includes invasive ductal carcinoma, mucinous carcinoma and secretory carcinoma. Evaluation of the quantity and location of secretions and the contours of the cell clusters complement cell morphology could improve diagnostic cytopathological criteria. AIM: To identify the range of breast carcinomas with secretions on fine-needle aspiration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of 160 patients with breast carcinoma was carried out. The tumors were typed by evaluating the quantity and location of secretions, cellularity and nuclear grade. RESULTS: Secretions were seen in 16 of 160 breast carcinomas. Eleven were invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), three were mucinous and two were secretory carcinomas. In IDC, minimal intracytoplasmic secretions were seen in 10, nuclear grades of 2 and 3 in 9, cell clusters with irregular margins in 6, and necrosis in 4. All mucinous and secretory carcinomas were nuclear grade 1. Extensive extracellular secretions and cell clusters with rounded contours were seen in mucinous carcinomas. In secretory carcinomas, the secretions were predominantly intracellular; stringy vasculature was a unique feature. CONCLUSION: Secretions in breast cancer are seen in a range of lesions that include IDC, mucinous, and secretory carcinomas. The quantity and location of secretions in breast cancer offer clues to differentiating these.

Centchroman: is unsupervised long-term use warranted? Case report.

OBJECTIVES: Centchroman (Ormeloxifene) is a synthetic non-steroidal compound used as an oral and a post-coital contraceptive. It is currently under trial for treatment of breast cancer and postmenopausal osteoporosis. Centchroman has been reported to induce only minimal side effects and no hormonal imbalance. CASE: A young woman who used centchroman for a long time in an unsupervised fashion presented with menorrhagia, which was controlled with norethisterone. Her massively enlarged uterus showed extensive decidual changes in a hyperplastic endometrium, and diffuse microglandular cervical hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS: The case suggests a prominent oestrogenic effect of centchroman on the uterus. This could be a significant adverse effect related to prolonged therapy. Lengthy intake of centchroman requires medical surveillance and long-term studies are needed.

Masters theses from a university medical college: publication in indexed scientific journals.

BACKGROUND: The thesis is an integral part of postgraduate medical education in India. Publication of the results of the thesis in an indexed journal is desirable; it validates the research and makes results available to researchers worldwide. AIMS: To determine publication rates in indexed journals, of works derived from theses, and factors affecting publication. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Postgraduate theses submitted over a five-year period (2001-05) in a university medical college were analyzed in a retrospective, observational study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data retrieved included name and gender of postgraduate student, names, department and hierarchy of supervisor and co-supervisor(s), year submitted, study design, sample size, and statistically significant difference between groups. To determine subsequent publication in an indexed journal, Medline search was performed up to December 2007. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Chi square test was used to compare publication rates based on categorical variables; Student's t-test was used to compare differences based on continuous variables. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty theses were retrieved, forty-eight (30%) were published. Papers were published 8-74 (33.7+/-17.33) months after thesis submission; the postgraduate student was first author in papers from 26 (54%) of the published theses. Gender of the student, department of origin, year of thesis submission, hierarchy of the supervisor, number and department of co-supervisors, and thesis characteristics did not influence publication rates. CONCLUSIONS: Rate of publication in indexed journals, of papers derived from postgraduate theses is 30%. In this study we were unable to identify factors that promote publication.

Usefulness of NMP22 as an adjunct to a typical urine cytology and low-grade urothelial carcinoma.

The usefulness of urine cytology combined with NMP22 was evaluated for the primary diagnosis of urothelial carcinoma. Of 53 clinically suspected patients, histopathological diagnoses were low-grade urothelial carcinoma (25), high-grade urothelial carcinoma (13), and inflammatory lesions (15). Cytology was positive in 25 and negative in 14 patients. Fourteen of 25 low-grade urothelial carcinoma and 11/13 high-grade urothelial carcinoma were diagnosed correctly on urine cytology. Atypical cells seen in 14 patients were categorized as inconclusive for malignancy. The overall sensitivity of urine cytology was 65.8%, whereas specificity was 100%. NMP22 was positive in 33 patients. Of these 30, 18 low-grade and 12 high-grade lesions were true positive. Of the 20 NMP22, eight negative cases were false-negative. Ten of 15 with negative histopathology were also negative for NMP22, three were false-positive, and two showed erratic results. Nine of 14 cases with atypical urine cytology were positive for NMP22. Eight of these showed low-grade carcinoma on histopathology. The sensitivity of BladderChek NMP22 test was 79%, whereas specificity was 80%. NMP22 BladderChek test is a useful adjunct to urine cytology in atypical and low-grade carcinoma.

Cartilaginous metaplasia in uterine leiomyoma.

INTRODUCTION: Leiomyoma is the most common tumor in the uterus. A spectrum of histologic variants have been noted, however, metaplasia in the leiomyoma is a rare phenomenon. Adipose metaplasia being most commonly reported. Cartilaginous metaplasia in leiomyoma is very rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report first case of pure cartilaginous metaplasia in a uterine leiomyoma. CONCLUSION: Cartilaginous areas although rare, may appear in uterine leiomyoma.

Koilocytosis: correlations with high-risk HPV and its comparison on tissue sections and cytology, urothelial carcinoma.

The aim of this study were (1) To correlate koilocytosis with high risk HPV(HrHPV) DNA in urinary bladder carcinoma and (2) To compare detection of koilocytosis on tissue sections and urine cytology. Biopsy and cytologic specimens from 33 patients of urinary bladder carcinoma were analyzed. HPV DNA was detected by PCR on biopsy specimens using consensus primers MY09 and MY11. Koilocytosis was assessed both on tissue sections and urine cytology. HrHPV DNA was found in 14 of 33 bladder carcinoma. Koilocytosis was seen in tissue sections from 13 patients. Eleven of these were HrHPV DNA positive (positive predictive value 84.6%). Koilocytosis was seen in urine cytology in three patients. All three were positive for HrHPV DNA. To conclude koilocytosis is a good morphological marker for HrHPV DNA in the urothelium. Tissue sections are better than cytologic smears for detection of koilocytes.

Abdominal tuberculosis: a histopathological study with special reference to intestinal perforation and mesenteric vasculopathy.

BACKGROUND: Along with the increased incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in parallel with the increase in population in various parts of the world, in recent years, the incidence of abdominal tuberculosis has also increased. The pathogenetic events in intestinal tuberculosis, which culminate in ulcer formation, perforation, and stricture, still have to be identified. AIM: To correlate the gross and microscopic features in intestinal tuberculosis, in particular tuberculous perforation with changes in mesenteric vasculature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A one-year prospective study of excised/resected tissues from patients with abdominal tuberculosis requiring surgical intervention was conducted. Tissues from fifty-six patients were included in the study-of which 36 were resected intestinal segments and 20 were intestinal and lymph node biopsies. Hematoxylin and Eosin and Ziehl-Neelsen stains were used for histopathological examination. RESULTS: Tuberculous enteritis was found to be present in 49 of the 56 patients (87.5%) (ileum being the site most commonly affected), while nodal involvement was seen in 39 (69.6%) patients. Perforations were present in 39 out of 49 (79.6%) intestinal tissues; most being solitary and ileum was the commonest site. Typical epithelioid cell granulomas were seen in the intestine and lymph nodes, with caseation being more prevalent in the latter. The mesenteric vasculature was frequently involved by granulomatous inflammation, with intravascular organizing thrombus being present in 30% of the resected specimens with perforation. Acid fast bacilli were demonstrated in the tissue sections of 37.5% of the patients. AFB positivity was higher in caseating granulomas. CONCLUSION: Involvement of mesenteric vasculature by granulomatous inflammation was commonly associated with the ulcerative type with perforation, suggesting that ischemia caused by vascular thrombosis is responsible for tissue breakdown. This implies that vasculitis plays an important role in the natural history of abdominal tuberculosis.

Tissue reaction patterns in respiratory infections: a practical approach to a cytological diagnosis.

Infection of the respiratory tract, particularly indolent and chronic disease can be a diagnostic dilemma. Infections associated with immunosuppressive states often require an accurate early diagnosis because it impacts outcome. A wide variety of specimens, such as, sputum, bronchoalveolar lavarge (BAL), transthoracic or transbronchial fine needle aspiration (FNA) can be employed. Cytopathology is diagnostic when the causative organism can be identified failing which, direction can be given to further investigation by examination of the tissue reaction patterns. Three types of reactions seen in lung infections act as clues to the diagnosis: (a) necrosis, (b) inflammatory reactions, and (c) epithelial changes with little inflammation. Identification of tissue reaction types limits the diagnostic possibilities and facilitates the diagnostic process.

Eosinophils, mast cells, nerves and ganglion cells in appendicitis.

INTRODUCTION: Twenty to thirty percent appendices removed from patients with suspected appendicitis appear normal on histology. The cause of pain in these patients is unknown. The presence of eosinophils and mast cells should be looked at skeptically which may explain the cause of pain. The aim was to study the eosinophils, mast cells, nerves and ganglions in normal and inflamed appendices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 329 appendices including 192 case of acute appendicitis (group A), 94 cases of clinically acute but histologically normal appendices (group B), 13 cases of complementary/elective appendicectomies (group C) and 30 normal controls from medico-legal autopsies(group D), were studied for the presence of eosinophils, mast cells, nerves and ganglia in mucosa, submucosa and muscularis propria. Routine haematoxylin and eosin stained sections were used for eosinophils, nerves and ganglia and Toludine blue sections for mast cell counts. One way ANOVA and logistic regression was used for statistical analysis RESULTS: The mean eosinophil and mast cell counts were significantly higher in mucosa, submucosa and muscularis propria in Group A and B, when compared to group C+D. The number of nerves and ganglion cells were significantly higher in group A when compared to groups B and C+D. The correlation between eosinophil and mast cell count was not found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: A significant increase in Eosinophils, mast cells, nerves and ganglion cells was seen in acute appendicitis. Increase in eosinophils and mast cells may explain the pain in histologicaly normal but clinically suspected acute appendicitis.

Localized amyloidosis in endometrioid carcinoma of the uterus: a rare association.

BACKGROUND: Amyloidosis is associated with infections, chronic disorders, hematological malignancies and endocrine neoplasms. Only rarely has it been associated with other tumors. Amyloidosis of the endometrium is rare and has only been reported as part of a systemic disease. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old postmenopausal female presented with irregular vaginal bleeding. Ultrasonography revealed a growth in the uterine cavity and enlarged internal and external iliac lymph nodes. Total hysterectomy with Bilateral salpingo-ophorectomy and dissection of pelvic fascia with external and internal iliac lymph nodes was done. The histologic diagnosis was that of a well-differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma: villoglandular type. Additionally, there were intratumoral nodular deposits of amyloid which were positive with Congo red showing apple green birefringence on polarization. CONCLUSION: This is an unusual case of amyloidosis associated with endometrioid carcinoma of the uterus.

A technically simple method for staining of acid-fast bacilli in cytology smears: an evaluation.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of modifications in the Ziehl-Neelsen staining procedure on predictive accuracy for acid fast bacilli in comparison to the conventional technique. Simplicity of procedure and reagent economy were the factors taken into consideration. DESIGN: Comparative evaluation between thick and thin air-dried smears stained conventionally and thick ethanol-fixed smears stained by the modified technique was done. RESULTS: Positive predictive accuracy of all the three smears, that is, thick air-dried, thin air-dried and thick ethanol-fixed, was 100%. Negative predictive accuracy for thick air-dried, thin air-dried and thick ethanol-fixed smears was 36.36%, 32.33% and 34.78%, respectively. Overall predictive accuracy was 66.67% for thick air-dried, 61.90% for thin air-dried and 64.29% for thick ethanol-fixed. These differences were found to be statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: The modified method offers an accuracy comparable to the conventional technique, is simpler and with improved reagent economy. It is of special importance to diagnostic facilities in rural set-ups.

Awareness of authorship criteria and conflict: survey in a medical institution in India.

CONTEXT: Assignment of appropriate authorship on a scientific paper is important for researchers and the public; inappropriate authorship may generate conflict. OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent of: (a) awareness of criteria for authorship and acknowledgment among researchers in a medical institution, (b) conflict concerning authorship issues in the research environment, and (c) their interrelationship. DESIGN AND SETTING: A questionnaire self-administered by the faculty in a teaching hospital in India in March 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate and level of awareness of International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals, or other rate and level of awareness of international published authorship criteria; rate and type of authorship conflict. RESULTS: Ninety-five teaching faculty were contacted; 77 responded. Fifty respondents (65%) reported that they were aware that authorship criteria existed, but only 34 (44%) correctly identified a source. Overall, 30 (39%) respondents reported conflict over authorship issues relating mainly to ownership of data, gift authorship, and issues like academic competition, personality differences, intellectual passion, or order of authorship. There was no difference between number of authorship criteria correctly identified by respondents who reported conflict compared with those who did not (P = .78). CONCLUSIONS: There was poor awareness of criteria for authorship and acknowledgement among the faculty in research publications. Conflict over authorship issues existed in the research environment, but was not influenced by the level of awareness.