Analysis of diagnostic value of cytological smear method versus cell block method in body fluid cytology: study of 150 cases.

BACKGROUND: Aspiration of serous cavities is a simple and relatively non-invasive technique to achieve diagnosis. Cytologic evaluation of body cavity fluid is diagnostically challenging. METHODS: A total of 150 fluid specimens were examined for conventional cytological smear (CS) and cell block method (CB). Out of 150 fluids, 79 were pleural fluid, 69 were ascitic fluid and 2 pericardial fluid. Each fluid specimen was divided in two equal parts: one part was subjected to conventional smear technique, while the other part was subjected to 10% alcohol-acetic acid-formalin cell block technique. Overall morphological details, cellularity, architecture, nuclear and cytoplasmic details were studied in both CS and CB techniques. RESULTS: In this study, the utility of the CB method in the cytodiagnosis of malignant effusions was found to be highly significant as compared to the CS method. The additional yield of malignancy was 10% more as was obtained by the CB method. CONCLUSION: For the final cytodiagnosis of body fluid, there is statistically significant difference between the two techniques. In other words, CB is superior to CS method.

Blood transfusion transmitted infections in multiple blood transfused patients of Beta thalassaemia.

Transfusion Transmitted Infection (TTI) continue to be a problem in many parts of world and multi-transfused patients of beta thalassaemia major are at a particularly increased risk of TTI. This study is aimed to estimate the prevalence of blood TTI in multiple blood transfused patients of beta thalassaemia major. Cross-sectional study of 200 multi-transfused patients of beta thalassaemia major, who were interviewed using a structured questionnaire and history was taken regarding sero-status of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) infection from their case papers. This study was conducted at the department of Pathology, M.P. Shah medical college, Jamnagar and Thalassemia ward, G.G. Hospital, Jamnagar (Gujarat, India) from March to May 2010. Out of 200 multiple blood transfused patients 7% patients were infected with TTI. Total 9 male patients and 5 female patients were infected with TTI. The seroreactivity for HIV was 3% (06/200); 1% (02/200) were males and 2% (04/200) were females. The seroreactivity for HBV was 2% (04/200) all were males. The seroreactivity for HCV was 2% (04/200); 1.5% (03/200) were males and 0.5% (01/200) was female. HIV, HBV, HCV infections are most prevalent TTI among multiple blood transfused patients of beta thalassemia major, and remains a major health problem for these patients.

Coexistence of squamous cell carcinoma with dermoid cyst of ovary.

A 40-year-old female presented with pain and enlargement of abdomen since last 6 months. A mass was felt over right iliac fossa. Ultrasonography showed partly cystic and solid area in mass arising from ovary. A tooth-like structure was also seen. Dermoid cyst was the diagnosis offered. Laparotomy was performed. Ovarian mass with hair, a tooth and putty-like material was present. Solid white area with thickened wall was found. Histopathology confirmed the findings of dermoid cyst and the thickened area showed squamous cell carcinoma with areas showing keratinous material and giant cell reaction which was also seen at the periphery of tumor areas. Left ovary was normal and no deposits of tumor were seen. Postoperative period was uneventful.