Correlation of Nuclear Morphometry with Clinicopathologic Parameters in Malignant Breast Aspirates.

Shilpa GargBackground Nuclear size, shape, chromatin pattern, and nucleolar size and number have all been reported to change in breast cancer. Aim The aim of the study was to quantify nuclear changes on malignant breast aspirates using morphometry and to correlate the morphometric parameters with clinicopathologic features such as cytologic grade, tumor size, lymph node status, mitotic index, and histopathologic grade. Materials and Methods Forty-five cases of carcinoma breast diagnosed on cytology were included in this study. Cytologic grading was performed as per the Robinson's cytologic grading system. Nuclear morphometry was done on Papanicolaou stained smears. One hundred nonoverlapping cells per case were evaluated. Both geometrical and textural parameters were evaluated. Results Comparison of cytologic grades with most morphometric features (nuclear area, perimeter, shape, long axis, short axis, intensity, total run length, and TI homogeneity) was highly significant on statistical analysis. Correlation with tumor size yielded significant results for nuclear area, perimeter, long and short axes, and intensity with p < 0.05. The study of lymph node status and morphometry showed a highly significant statistical association with all the parameters. Mitotic count was significantly associated with all the geometric parameters and one textural parameter (total run length). On correlation of ductal carcinoma in situ and histopathological Grades 1 to 3 with morphometry, it was found that all the parameters except long-run emphasis were highly significant with p < 0.001. Conclusion Morphometry as a technique holds immense promise in prognostication in breast carcinoma.

Changes in peripheral blood in SARS CoV-2 patients and its clinico-pathological correlation: A prospective cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV2 can present from mild flu-like symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. There is multi-organ involvement; particularly, hematopoietic system can be associated with morphological changes in blood cells of COVID-19 patients. METHOD: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a cohort of 50 COVID-19 patients, confirmed on RT-PCR with documented cycle threshold (Ct) value. Peripheral blood sample of these patients was collected and examined for complete blood counts (CBC) on automated haematological analyser as well as Leishman-stained blood smears to look for morphological changes in blood cells. Morphological changes were evaluated with reference to clinical severity and Ct value. Additionally, association between Ct value and clinical severity was also performed. Statistical tests were performed, and P value <.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean age of our study group was 42.16 ± 15.55 years, with male preponderance. Most commonly observed peripheral blood changes were hypolobation (P value = .002) and toxic granules (P value = .005) in neutrophils, atypical granules with nucleolar prominence in lymphocytes, cytoplasmic granulation with clumped nuclear chromatin in monocytes, giant platelets and thrombocytopenia and normocytic normochromic anaemia. CONCLUSION: No association was found between clinical severity and Ct value as well as peripheral blood morphological changes with Ct value. We conclude that examination of peripheral smear coupled with complete blood count (CBC) is only partially supportive of disease pathogenesis and to assess the viral load other parameters should be utilised instead of relying solely on Ct value.

Correlation of Nuclear Morphometry with Clinicopathologic Parameters in Malignant Breast Aspirates.

Objectives The primary objective of this study was to correlate nuclear morphometric parameters with clinicopathologic features such as cytologic grade, tumor size, lymph node status, mitotic index, and histopathologic grade. Secondary objective was to quantify nuclear changes on malignant breast aspirates using morphometry. Material and Methods Forty-five cases of carcinoma breast diagnosed on cytology were included in this study. These were graded into cytologic grades 1, 2, and 3 as per Robinson's cytologic grading system. Nuclear morphometry was done in all cases on smears stained with Papanicolaou stain. Clinicopathologic parameters including cytological grade, tumor size, lymph node status, mitotic count, and histological grade were correlated with nuclear morphometric parameters, namely, area, perimeter, shape, long axis, short axis, intensity, long-run emphasis, total run length, and T1 homogeneity. Results There were 9 cases in cytologic grade 1, 26 in grade 2, and 10 cases in cytologic grade 3. Histopathology showed 42 cases of infiltrating duct carcinoma, not otherwise specified (IDC, NOS) and 3 cases (6.7%) of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). IDC (NOS) included 6, 27, and 9 cases in grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Majority of our cases had a tumor size less than 5 cm ( n = 38, 84.4%) and had positive nodes ( n = 30, 66.7%). Correlation of cytologic and histopathologic grades (including DCIS) with all morphometric features except long-run emphasis was statistically significant. Correlation of morphometry with tumor size yielded significant results for nuclear area, perimeter, long and short axes, and intensity with p < 0.05. Study of lymph node status (positive/negative) versus morphometry showed a highly significant statistical association with all the geometric as well as textural parameters. Mitotic count was significantly associated with all the geometric parameters and one textural parameter (total run length). Statistics Continuous variables were presented as mean ± standard deviation and compared using the two-tailed, independent sample t -test and one-way analysis of variance test. Tests were performed at significance level of 0.05. Conclusion Morphometry is an objective technique which holds immense promise in prognostication in breast carcinoma.

Osteocartilaginous Choriostoma of Palatine Tonsil: a Rare Hidden Entity.

A choriostoma is an aggregate of microscopically normal cells or tissues which occurs in an aberrant location. It follows a benign course, rarely seen in head and neck region. A choriostoma of the palatine tonsil is very rare; less than 10 cases were reported till date. A 11-year-old male referred to ENT OPD with chronic tonsillitis and underwent tonsillectomy. The histopathological examination revealed the unexpected presence of cartilage and bone in both tonsils.

Trichoadenoma of Nikolowski- A Rare Tumour with Unusual Presentation Over Vulva.

Trichoadenoma is a rare benign, slowly growing, cutaneous tumour of the hair follicle first described by Nikolowski in 1958. It presents as a non-specific nodule over the face or buttocks. However, unusual sites such as the neck, upper arm, thigh, shoulder, and shaft of the penis may also be affected. The tumour is less mature than a trichofolliculoma and is more differentiated than a trichoepithelioma with a differentiation towards the infundibular portion of the pilosebaceous canal. Histologically, it consists of numerous infundibulocystic structures present throughout the dermis, few of which are lined by eosinophilic epidermal cells with attempted glandular formation and contain laminated keratin, without evidence of hair follicle formation. We report a case of trichoadenoma over the vulva of 25-year-old female showing typical histological features.

Sclerosing Stromal Tumor: A Rare Ovarian Neoplasm.

Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors are relatively infrequent neoplasms that account for approximately 8% of all primary ovarian neoplasm. Sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary include granulosa cell tumors, fibrothecomas, Sertoli-Leydigcell tumors, steroid cell tumors, and sclerosing stromal tumors (SST). Sclerosing stromal tumors account for 2% to 6% of ovarian stromal tumors. Despite the rarity of this particular neoplasm, it is not always possible to predict the presence of this tumor preoperatively on the basis of clinical and sonographic findings. Histopathological and immunohistochemical (IHC) examinations confirm the diagnosis. Herein, the clinical findings and histopathological features of SST are described in a 24-year-old female.

Sildenafil: A rare cause of erythema multiforme.

Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute self-limiting mucocutaneous condition of uncertain etiopathogenesis. The most common precipitating factors are herpes simplex virus infection, mycoplasma infection, drugs, and vaccination. We report a case of EM following sildenafil used for loss of libido. EM induced by sildenafil has not been reported so far.

An Unusual Case Of Inferior Turbinate Osteoma Removed Endoscopically: A Case Report.

Inferior turbinate osteoma is exceptionally rare. Here we are reporting a case of inferior turbinate osteoma presented with history of left nasal obstruction. CT unveiled osseous hypertrophy of left inferior turbinate. Osteoma was removed endoscopically using hammer and gouge. This is the fourth case to be reported in the world literature and second in India.

Immature Teratoma with Embryonal Carcinoma; a Rare Malignant Mixed Germ Cell Tumor in a 13-Year-Old Girl.

Malignant mixed germ cell tumors,though rare overall, are the most common type of malignant ovarian neoplasms in young and adolescent girls. These tumors are rapidly growing and can metastasize. We report a case of 13-yr-old girl who presented at SHKM GMC, Nalhar, Mewat, Haryana, India in December 2013 with huge abdominal lump of a malignant mixed germ cell tumor comprising both immature teratoma and embryonal carcinoma. This report illustrates the aggressiveness of this tumor and emphasises the need of early diagnosis and treatment.

Paragonimus westermani infection in lung: A confounding diagnostic entity.

Paragonimiasis is a food-borne parasitic zoonosis caused by the genus Paragonimus. Fresh water snails, crabs, and crayfish are the first and second intermediate hosts, respectively. Humans acquire this infection by ingesting uncooked/undercooked crustaceans. Laboratory diagnosis of Paragonimiasis is done by demonstration of ova in the sputum/feces/pleural fluid or by serology. A case of pulmonary Paragonimiasis is presented herewith; the patient having been diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis earlier. The aim of this presentation is to highlight this entity so that it is considered in the differential diagnosis in a case of hemoptysis.

Insulinoma: a comprehensive summary of two cases.

Pancreatic endocrine tumours are rare in occurrence. They may present with a baffling range of symptoms which pose a diagnostic dilemma. Two cases of pancreatic insulinoma are presented herewith. Both presented with neuro-psychiatric complaints and were treated symptomatically for depression, anxiety, seizures etc. The diagnosis in these patients was missed for years. Insulinoma being a great diagnostic challenge, requires reasonably high clinical suspicion, accurate biochemical diagnosis and radiological localization to avoid extensive surgery. The aim is to highlight the occurrence of this rare tumour at a tertiary care hospital.

Cytomorphologic significance of marginal vacuoles in diffuse thyroid enlargements.

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the thyroid is an established first-line test for thyroid lesions. Marginal vacuoles (MVs) have been associated with hyperactivity of the thyroid, but some studies have pointed towards their nonspecific status. AIMS: To assess the presence of MVs in diffuse thyroid enlargements and evaluate the strength of correlation between MVs, levels of thyroid hormone and cytological diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-seven cases of diffuse thyromegaly were studied. Cytomorphological features were examined with special attention to MVs. MVs were graded as scant, moderate and abundant. Hormonal status of the patients was recorded. The presence and grading of MVs was correlated with cytological diagnosis and hormonal status. The strength of association was studied by applying the Chi-square test and test of proportion; a P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Abundant MVs were not associated with hypothyroidism in this study; 79% of these cases were hyperthyroid. The correlation between moderate/insignificant MVs and functional status of the thyroid gland was inconclusive. Further, abundant MVs in thyroid FNACs were seen in cases of primary hyperplasia and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. There was a significant correlation between the presence of abundant/moderate MVs and primary hyperplasia and their absence in colloid goiter (P = 0.01 and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A significant association was found between abundant MVs and a hyperthyroid state. Moderate/absent MVs in diffuse goiters were not found to correlate with thyroid function. Thus, all diffuse goiters with prominent MVs require hormonal evaluation to rule out hyperfunction of the thyroid.

The Diagnostic Role of the Marginal Vacuoles in FNAC of Solitary Thyroid Nodules.

CONTEXT: FNAC thyroid is more sensitive as well as specific in segregating neoplastic and non-neoplastic thyroid lesions. Identification of predominant cell pattern, cell morphology and background details in FNAC smears play an important role in categorisation of various thyroid lesions with accuracy. Marginal vacuoles (MVs) have been described as irregular cytoplasmic vacuoles with largely unstained central area. MVs, although suggestive of thyrotoxicosis, are non-specific, as they are also encountered in non- toxic goitre, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and follicular carcinoma. This cytologic finding therefore deserves further study to precisely delineate its utility. Aims & Objective: To investigate whether MVs have a diagnostic role in FNAC of solitary thyroid nodule Setting & Design: This study was conducted on 40 patients who presented with solitary thyroid nodule. METHODS & MATERIAL: Forty patients having solitary thyroid nodule were subjected to FNAC on an outpatient basis. Their cytomorphological features were studied with special attention to presence of MVs. MVs if present were then graded as no/ scant (gradeI ), moderate (gradeII) and abundant (gradeIII). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Majority (77.5%) of nodular goitres had insignificant MVs (gradeI) in their smears. Significant MVs (gradeII+III) were limited to autoimmune thyroiditis presenting as solitary nodule and follicular neoplasms. Abundant MVs/ gradeIII were seen in follicular neoplasm only. MVs were not present in rest of neoplastic goitres. This implies that MVs are a marker of follicular differentiation.

A study on the biochemical and the morphological changes in the liver in renal transplant recipients with an evidence of the HBV and the HCV infections.

CONTEXT: Renal transplantation is the definitive treatment in renal failure patients. Liver disease is a known problem in renal transplant recipients. They may be consequent to immunosuppression, drug toxicity, altered immune response to viruses and hemodialysis. AIMS: The aim of this study was to analyze and correlate the biochemical parameters and histopathology of liver biopsy among renal transplant recipients with both HBV and HCV infection and to correlate them. SETTING: The study group had thirty cases. Enrolment criteria included coinfection with HBV and HCV ; elevated liver enzymes and recipient of renal allograft. There was acontrol group of ten patients who were HBC and HCV positive but had not undergone renal transplant. MATERIAL & METHODS: Liver function tests including alkaline phosphatase, SGOT, SGPT and serum bilirubin levels were donet. Percutaneous liver biopsies were carried out using Menghini's needle.. Stains done included hematoxylin and eosin (H & E), vanGieson, reticulin and Perl's stain. Histopathological grading was performed using Metavir scoring system. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was done where required for ground glass hepatocytes. Correlation of SGOT, SGPT and Alkaline phosphatase of the study group and the controls was carried out with the grading. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical tests done included paired "t" test at 5% and test of probability. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant correlation between the controls and the transplanted patients. It was concluded that serum enzyme levels could be used to predict histological grade in the control group but not in the transplant recipients (p>0.05).

Evaluation of precision of guidance techniques in image guided fine needle aspiration cytology of thoracic mass lesions.

BACKGROUND: Transthoracic fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an established and safe technique for diagnosis of thoracic mass lesions. Computed tomography (CT) scan depicts clear anatomical details and provides access to any area of the body. It is, however, expensive and the needle is not passed in real time. Ultrasound is cheaper, radiation free, and allows real time monitoring. Its limitations are obscurement of lesions by aerated lung, smaller, deep seated, and cavitary lesions. AIMS: This study aims to compare sensitivity and specificity of CT scan and ultrasonography (USG) in thoracic FNAC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on patients who presented with thoracic mass lesions in lungs, mediastinum, hilar lymph nodes, thoracic vertebrae, paraspinal soft tissue, and pleura. One hundred and twenty patients were studied. Only those cases in which sonographic guidance was not possible were taken up for CT guided FNAC. The lesions were assigned to benign and malignant categories and into specific diagnoses where possible. Biopsy correlation was available in 113 cases. Patients were lost to follow-up in five lung and two mediastinal masses. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical tests applied included diagnostic tests for sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: An accuracy of 70.8% was found for image guided FNACs with a sensitivity and specificity of 92.2% and 100%, respectively. CT had a sensitivity of 93.2% and specificity of 100%. For USG guidance, the same was 91.3% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Precision of USG and CT scan is comparable for guidance in FNAC from thoracic mass lesions.

Arthroscopic synovial biopsy in definitive diagnosis of joint diseases: An evaluation of efficacy and precision.

CONTEXT: Arthritis is an important cause of morbidity, presenting as monoarticular or polyarticular lesion. Arthroscopic synovial aspiration and biopsy can help in arriving specific etiological diagnosis. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of arthroscopic synovial biopsy as a diagnostic aid and study the characteristics of synovial fluid in various joint diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arthroscopic synovial biopsy along with synovial fluid analysis was studied in 30 of the 50 enrolled cases arthritis. The fluid was subjected to physical, biochemical, and cytological analysis. RESULTS: Both rheumatoid (n = 14, 28%) and tubercular (n = 13, 26%) arthritis were found to be more common compared to other etiologies. Next common etiology observed was chronic nonspecific synovitis (n = 10, 20%). Clinicopathological correlation was seen in 34 out of 50 cases. As a diagnostic tool, synovial biopsy had a sensitivity of 85%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 62%. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic synovial biopsy is a simple and easy to perform technique and is an important useful investigative adjunct that may give conclusive diagnosis where clinical diagnosis is equivocal.

Comparative study of histopathological Marsh grading with clinical and serological parameters in celiac iceberg of north India.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder caused by the ingestion of wheat gluten and related proteins in genetically susceptible individuals. It is characterized by anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies. Duodenal biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis. Correlation of clinical, serologic, and histological features is essential for a definitive diagnosis. The ratio of diagnosed versus undiagnosed cases is quite high. AIMS: This study aimed to correlate the degree of mucosal damage with anti-tTG levels, mean baseline hemoglobin and endoscopic findings. SETTING AND DESIGN: Two hundred twenty six adults suspected to have celiac disease were studied. Marsh grades were compared with anti-tTG levels, hemoglobin, endoscopy, and clinical presentations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, serum levels of anti-tTG, complete hematologic work-up, and duodenal biopsy were performed in all 226 cases (including three siblings of confirmed patients) with well-defined symptom groups. Histopathological grading was done as per modified Marsh system. Correlation of all the parameters was performed with Marsh grades. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Performed on SPSS version 15.0. Tests applied include one way ANOVA, Chi-square test, repeated measure analysis, and Bonferroni's method for comparison. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Anti-tTG levels, mean baseline hemoglobin, and endoscopic findings were found to correlate with increasing severity of mucosal damage with P<0.001 for all. Anti-tTG levels of grades 1+2 and those of grade 3a were significantly different from levels of grades 3b and 3c+4 with P<0.001 for each. Varied clinical presentations of celiac disease were seen in the adult wheat eaters of North India.

Vitamin D and multiple sclerosis: Potential pathophysiological role and clinical implications.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is thought to arise due to an interplay of genetic and environmental risk factors. Vitamin D, besides maintaining bone health and calcium metabolism, is thought to play an immunomodulatory role in the central nervous system. Studies have shown that patients with the highest level of Vitamin D (99-152 nmol/l) had a significantly lower risk of MS than the subgroup with the lowest levels (15-63 nmol/l). Furthermore, populations having a high oral intake of vitamin D had a decreased risk of MS. Hypovitaminosis D is one of the environmental risk factors for MS based on numerous physiological, experimental and epidemiologic data, which can be corrected to provide an effective therapeutic option for this debilitating disease.

Significance of nuclear morphometry in cytological aspirates of breast masses.

BACKGROUND: Breast carcinoma is the most common malignancy globally. Cytological evaluation in breast lesions is largely subjective. Gradual progression of cells from normal to invasive involves nuclear changes that need to be viewed objectively. AIMS: This study aims to apply nuclear morphometry on cytological breast aspirates. It evaluates its utility in differentiating benign vs. malignant lesions and correlates it with cytologic grading in malignant cases. SETTING AND DESIGN: Nuclear morphometric parameters of malignant and benign cases were compared. Parameters of malignant cases were correlated with cytologic grading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cytology was used to categorize aspirates from breast lumps into malignant (53 cases) and benign (29 cases). One hundred cells per case in both groups were mapped on DEBEL Cytoscan and six geometrical and three textural parameters obtained were compared. In malignant cases, morphometry was correlated with Robinson's cytologic grading, which was further correlated in tissue sections (45 cases) with modified Scarff-Bloom-Richardson histologic grading. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Students "t"-test was applied for comparison between benign and malignant cases. One-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post hoc comparison was applied to compare the three cytologic grades. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. RESULTS: Nuclear morphometry successfully differentiated between benign and malignant aspirates and correlated significantly with cytologic grades. Morphometry was especially useful in the diagnosis of atypical ductal hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma in situ. Useful parameters were mean nuclear area, long axis, short axis and total run length. Cytohistologic correlation was 83.3%, 88.9% and 88.9% for cytological grades 1, 2 and 3 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear morphometry was thus a useful objective tool in the evaluation of breast masses.