FNAB Cytology of Chordoma Masquerading As Adenocarcinoma: Case Report

Diagnostic Cytopathology. May, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 11992373

We report a lesion of the mobile spine in a 77-yr-old white male who presented with lower back pain, radiating bilaterally to the legs, with numbness on walking and standing. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a large mass within L3-L4 vertebral bodies; however, chordoma was not suspected or suggested. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of the mass revealed mostly blood with isolated flat clusters of polygonal rounded epithelial-like cells in a myxoid background. Immunohistochemistry could not be performed on the FNAB specimen due to inadequate material for cell-block. A limited immunocytochemistry panel was performed on one cytology smear. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for cytokeratin. During primary and expert evaluation, these features were interpreted as metastatic adenocarcinoma. Prostate and thyroid were suggested as possible primary sites. An extensive clinical and radiological search did not reveal a primary lesion. Four years later, the patient underwent surgical decompression and stabilization of his lumbar spine to avoid a catastrophic collapse of spine with neurological deficit. Histomorphological features and immunohistochemical studies at this time confirmed the lesion as chordoma. This case highlights the significance of considering chordoma in the differential diagnosis of FNAB cytology of spinal column lesions suggestive of adenocarcinoma, especially when the clusters of low-grade epithelioid cells with vacuolated cytoplasm in a myxoid background do not show epithelial structures such as papillae, glands, or acini.

Pathologic Quiz Case: Pulmonary Infiltrates with Characteristic Light and Electron Microscopic Features

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Jun, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12087970

Immunohistochemical Comparison of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor and Solitary Fibrous Tumor

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Oct, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12296756

The differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) and solitary fibrous tumors (SFT) may be a diagnostic challenging because of overlapping clinicopathologic features. Many studies have shown consistent immunoreactivity for CD117 (c-Kit) in GIST. However, only a few studies have evaluated CD117 expression in SFT, and these studies have used an antibody from Santa Cruz Biotechnology. In non-GIST lesions, reactivity with this antibody has been shown to differ from that with a CD117 antibody from Dako Corporation. The immunoreactivity of SFT with the Dako CD117 antibody has not been reported. Conversely, CD99 is a marker for SFT, and its expression in GIST has not been evaluated.

Crystals of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma in a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytology Smear. A Case Report

Acta Cytologica. Sep-Oct, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12365228

Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare soft tissue tumor. It has characteristic histomorphology, with typical ultrastructural features demonstrating unique crystalloids. It occurs predominantly in adolescents and young adults, in whom the most common location is within the fascial planes of skeletal muscle of the lower extremity.

Post-radiation Dedifferentiation of Meningioma into Osteosarcoma

BMC Cancer. Dec, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12464160

A number of osteoblastic meningiomas, primary osteosarcomas of the meninges, and post-radiation osteosarcomas of the head have been reported. However, postradiation dedifferentiation of meningioma into osteosarcoma has not been reported previously.

Intraoperative Cytology Increases the Diagnostic Accuracy of Frozen Sections for the Confirmation of Various Tissues in the Parathyroid Region

American Journal of Clinical Pathology. Dec, 2002  |  Pubmed ID: 12472283

The identification of parathyroid gland tissue and its distinction from adjacent structures such as thyroid gland, lymphoid, fibroadipose, and, rarely, thymic tissues on frozen section (FS) may be challenging owing to freezing artifact. Intraoperative cytology (IC) provides valuable complementary morphologic details. We evaluated 72 specimens with IC alone (group 1), followed by interpretation with FS to reach a final interpretation using IC and FS together (group 2). An additional 105 specimens were evaluated by FS alone (group 3). Permanent section diagnosis was used as the "gold standard." Sensitivity and specificity were 100% for group 2, compared with lower values for group 1 (98% and 100%, respectively) and group 3 (94% and 94%, respectively). IC is a valuable adjunct to FS during intraoperative consultation for evaluation of tissue in a parathyroid location.

Colon Biopsies for Evaluation of Acute Graft-versus-host Disease (A-GVHD) in Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplant Patients

BMC Gastroenterology. Mar, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12697049

Proper histomorphological interpretation of intestinal acute graft versus host disease (A-GVHD) associated with allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) is critical for clinical management. However, studies methodically evaluating different histomorphological features of A-GVHD are rare.

Improved Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Micrometastases in Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Cutaneous Melanoma with 'MCW Melanoma Cocktail'--a Mixture of Monoclonal Antibodies to MART-1, Melan-A, and Tyrosinase

BMC Cancer. May, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12735792

MART-1, Melan-A, and Tyrosinase have shown encouraging results for evaluation of melanoma micrometastases in sentinel lymph nodes, as compared to conventionally used S-100 protein and HMB-45. To achieve higher sensitivity, some studies recommend evaluation of three sections, each at intervals of 200 micron. This would mean, routine staining of three adjacent sections in each of the three clusters at intervals of 200 micron, requiring nine slides resulting in added expense. If a cocktail of these antibodies could be used, only one section would be required instead of three generating significant cost savings.

Molecular Genetics of Pediatric Soft Tissue Tumors: Clinical Application

The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics : JMD. Aug, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12876204

The application of molecular genetics to pediatric soft tissue tumors has grown tremendously over the last decade. It has resulted in the identification of novel genes that have provided us with an increased understanding of oncogenesis. Furthermore, these findings have identified diagnostic and potentially prognostic factors for patient management. Molecular diagnostic techniques, such as reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), have become important tools for evaluating pediatric soft tissue tumors. By detecting characteristic fusion genes, these techniques have greatly increased the diagnostic accuracy of histopathological classification. One of the exciting promises of the development of these molecular techniques is their ability to detect micrometastasis and minimal residual disease. Monitoring of minimal residual disease in pediatric soft tissue tumors by quantitative RT-PCR may provide important prognostic information. Furthermore, the potential development of targeted therapy based on the understanding of the molecular pathology of a specific soft tissue tumor may complement existing treatments and improve disease outcome.

Fatty Metamorphosis and Other Patterns in Fibrous Dysplasia

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. Aug, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12946277

Interpretation of small biopsy fragments from suspected lesions of fibrous dysplasia with unusual clinical and/or radiological features may be challenging due to wide histomorphological spectrum of stromal appearances. Awareness of these variations should improve diagnostic confidence.

Reliability of Intraoperative Parathyroid Touch Imprints

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Sep, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 12951963

Immunostaining of Cytology Smears: a Comparative Study to Identify the Most Suitable Method of Smear Preparation and Fixation with Reference to Commonly Used Immunomarkers

Diagnostic Cytopathology. Oct, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 14506675

As an extension of our previous study (Shidham et al., Acta Cytol 2000;44:1015-1022), we evaluated the interference by methods of cytology smear preparation on the immunoreactivity of cytokeratin-7, cytokeratin-20, estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and vimentin. Scrape cytology smears of 34 fresh specimens submitted for intraoperative consultation were studied. They were processed by three different methods--A: wet-fixed in 95% ethanol; B: air-dried saline rehydrated smears fixed in alcoholic formalin; and C: air-dried saline rehydrated smears fixed in 95% ethanol with 5% acetic acid. The intensity scores of immunostaining were estimated semiquantitatively and compared with corresponding formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections (FPTS). Except vimentin, all immunomarkers showed higher intensity scores with method A or B than with method C. Vimentin showed the best results with method A. Our results indicate that the immunoreactivity pattern with each immunomarker is affected by the method of cytology smear processing. Most importantly, method C, which is the desired choice for cytomorphological staining, was not suitable for immunostaining.

Accuracy of Cytologic Interpretation of Pancreatic Neoplasms by Fine Needle Aspiration and Pancreatic Duct Brushings

Acta Cytologica. Sep-Oct, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 14526670

To investigate the accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) specimens and pancreatic duct brushings in the detection of pancreatic lesions and to compare the results with follow-up biopsy and/or surgical interpretation.

Re: Maruta J, Et Al. Quick Aspiration Cytology for Thyroid Nodules by Modified Ultrafast Papanicolaou Staining

Diagnostic Cytopathology. Nov, 2003  |  Pubmed ID: 14595803

Microglandular Hyperplasia Has a Cytomorphological Spectrum Overlapping with Atypical Squamous Cells-cannot Exclude High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (ASC-H)

Diagnostic Cytopathology. Jan, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 14696147

We retrospectively evaluated cytological interpretations of conventional cervical smears in 48 cases of biopsy-proven microglandular hyperplasia and compared them with 15 negative controls. A glandular pattern was noted in all 48 cases but was predominant in 73% (35/48) of the cases. Immature metaplastic pattern was present in 71% (34/48) and was predominant in 27% (13/48). These features were not observed in negative control smears. 85% of cases (41/48) were interpreted as negative for epithelial cell abnormality. Two cases with predominantly glandular pattern (6%, 2/35) were interpreted as atypical glandular cells. Five cases with predominantly immature metaplastic pattern (38%, 5/13) showed checkerboard arrangement or rows of single cells with slightly larger atypical nuclei leading to interpretation as "atypical squamous cells-cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion." The metaplastic cells with normoblast-like karyorrhectic apoptotic debris confined to the nuclear area were scattered among these cells in microglandular hyperplasia with metaplastic pattern.

Antiangiogenic Treatment of Mesenteric Desmoid Tumors with Toremifene and Interferon Alfa-2b: Report of Two Cases

Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. Jan, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 14719159

Desmoid tumors are uncommon, benign, fibrous lesions occurring sporadically and in association with familial adenomatous polyposis. Typical clinical features include a locally aggressive behavior, an unpredictable course, and a high propensity for recurrence after surgical resection. There are no standard medical or surgical approaches, and no markers for monitoring medical therapy of desmoid tumors.

Mantle Cell Lymphoma in Lymph Nodes with Metastatic Small Cell Carcinoma of Lung: a Diagnostic and Treatment Dilemma

Leukemia & Lymphoma. Feb, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15101734

We report a rare case of small cell carcinoma (SCC) of lung, metastatic to ipsilateral hilar and peribronchial lymph nodes with synchronous mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), in a 58-year-old female. She was treated with Cisplatin, Etoposide, and Rituximab, and remained in complete remission for approximately two and a half years following the initial diagnosis. To the best of our knowledge, synchronous SCC and MCL or SCC metastatic to lymph nodes involved by MCL has not been previously reported. In this case, the features of MCL were very inconspicuous in the lymph nodes with extensive metastases of SCC. The presence of MCL was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The co-existence of lymphoma and metastatic carcinoma in the same lymph node, as seen in this case, highlights the significance of analyzing subtle lymphoid architectural changes, and applying ancillary studies such as immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis in suspicious cases. The management of synchronous SCC and MCL requires consideration of their respective biologic behavior, and cumulative toxicity of treatment regimens of both tumors. In such cases an optimum treatment strategy should be adopted to cover both malignancies with minimal toxic effect.

CytoJournal Joins 'open Access' Philosophy

CytoJournal. 7, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15500701

Welcome to CytoJournal! We would like to introduce you to your journal, one that is run by and for the scientific cytopathology community with incontestable benefits of Open Access, and support from Cytopathology Fondation, Inc http://www.cytopathology-foundation.org/index.html. CytoJournal is a peer-reviewed, PubMed indexed, online journal, publishing research in the field of cytopathology and related areas, with world wide free access. Authors submitting to CutoJournal retain the copyright to their hard earned work.

Optimization of an Immunostaining Protocol for the Rapid Intraoperative Evaluation of Melanoma Sentinel Lymph Node Imprint Smears with the 'MCW Melanoma Cocktail'

CytoJournal. 8, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15500702

BACKGROUND: In the management of cutaneous melanoma, it is desirable to complete the regional lymphadenectomy during the initial surgical procedure for wide excision of biopsy site and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. In this study, we optimized and evaluated a rapid 17 minutes immunostaining protocol. The discriminatory immunostaining pattern associated with the 'MCW Melanoma Cocktail' (mixture of Melan- A, MART- 1, and tyrosinase) facilitated the feasibility of intraoperative evaluation of imprint smears of SLNs for melanoma metastases. METHODS: Imprint smears of 51 lymph nodes from 25 cases (48 SLNs and 3 non-SLNs, 1 to 4 SLNs/case) of cutaneous melanoma were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixteen percent, 8/51 lymph nodes (28%, 7/25 cases) were positive for melanoma metastases in immunostained permanent sections with the 'MCW melanoma cocktail'. All of these melanoma metastases, except 1 SLN from 1 case, were also detected in rapidly immunostained wet-fixed and air-dried smears (rehydrated in saline and postfixed in alcoholic formalin). The cytomorphology was superior in air-dried smears, which were rehydrated in saline and postfixed in alcoholic formalin. Wet-fixed smears frequently showed air-drying artifacts, which lead to the focal loss of immunostaining. None of the 5 SLNs from 5 cases exhibiting capsular nevi showed a false positive result with immunostained imprint smears. CONCLUSIONS: Melanoma metastases can be detected intraoperatively in both air-dried smears and wet-fixed smears immunostained with the MCW Melanoma cocktail. Air-dried smears rehydrated in saline and postfixed in alcoholic formalin provide superior results and many practical benefits.

Feasibility of Breast Duct Lavage Performed by a Physician Extender

Surgery. Nov, 2004  |  Pubmed ID: 15523404

The safety and feasibility of ductal lavage (DL), a risk-assessment tool utilizing a minimally invasive technique that permits sampling of breast duct epithelium, performed primarily by a nurse practitioner (NP), was studied prospectively.

Fulminant Multisystem Non-langerhans Cell Histiocytic Proliferation with Hemophagocytosis: a Variant Form of Erdheim-Chester Disease

Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Feb, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15679446

Hemophagocytosis (HP), a feature seen in malignant histiocytosis and infection- and lymphoma-associated disorders, has not been previously emphasized in Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD). Generally, ECD is recognized as a rare, systemic, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with a variable clinical course. Herein, we describe a unique case of multisystem non-Langerhans cell histiocytic proliferation with a fulminant clinical course (death occurred within 3 months of presentation) that showed prominent HP and extensive involvement of multiple organs, including the lungs, resulting in respiratory failure. Hemophagocytosis led to severe anemia that required transfusion and thrombocytopenia. Antemortem lung and bone marrow biopsy specimens revealed involvement by a histiocytic infiltrate with features highly suggestive of ECD and HP. Furthermore, the autopsy documented the presence of HP and the histiocytic infiltrate in multiple other organs. This case is best categorized as a variant form of ECD. Recognizing this variant has the following important implications: (1) HP may be a marker for fulminant clinical course in ECD, (2) the presence of HP does not exclude a diagnosis of ECD, and (3) ECD should be considered in the differential diagnosis of HP.

CytoJournal's Move to Fund Open Access

CytoJournal. Feb, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15705199

CytoJournal is published by an independent publisher BioMed Central, which is committed to ensuring that the peer-reviewed biomedical research is Open Access. Since its launch, BioMed Central has graciously supported the processing of all the articles published during CytoJournal's first 6 months. However, for long term viability, CytoJournal has to achieve financial viability to support publication expenses. From 1st March, 2005, authors will be asked by the publisher to pay a flat article-processing charge. This editorial discusses how a significant proportion of authors may not have to pay this fee directly under a variety of different mechanisms such as institutional and society memberships with BioMed Central.

Histogenetic Phenotypes of B Cells in Posttransplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders by Immunohistochemical Analysis Correlate with Transplant Type: Solid Organ Vs Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

American Journal of Clinical Pathology. Jan, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15762285

We immunohistochemically defined the histogenesis of posttransplantation lymphoproliferative disorders (PTLDs; B-cell phenotype) occurring after allogeneic T cell-depleted hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT; n = 15) or solid organ transplantation (SOT; n = 11) to determine whether transplantation type or morphologic subtype of PTLD affected the histogenetic subtype. Immunohistochemical stains using histogenetic markers for germinal center (GC) B cells, late GC and post-GC B cells, and post-GC B cells were performed on paraffin-embedded samples. Morphologically, 14 cases were polymorphic; 12 were monomorphic. Histogenetic marker expression was as follows: 1 monomorphic case (4%), GC phenotype expressing bcl-6 and CD10; 17 cases (65%; polymorphic, 9; monomorphic, 8), late GC-early post-GC phenotype expressing MUM1/IRF4; 8 cases (31%; polymorphic, 5; monomorphic, 3), post-GC phenotype expressing MUM1/IRF4 and CD138 but not bcl-6. PTLD cases after HSCT more frequently were post-GC phenotype than after SOT (7/15 vs 1/11, respectively; P = .040) and were independent of morphologic subclassification. Results suggest that most PTLDs are late GC-early post-GC phenotype with a minor group of post-GC phenotype and rare cases of GC phenotype. Findings also suggest a correlation between histogenetic phenotype of B-cell PTLD and type of transplantation.

MCW Melanoma Cocktail for the Evaluation of Micrometastases in Sentinel Lymph Nodes of Cutaneous Melanoma

Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics. May, 2005  |  Pubmed ID: 15934808

Prevailing reports support the status of sentinel lymph node biopsy as the standard of care in the management of cutaneous melanoma. However, the evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for melanoma metastases with traditionally used immunomarkers such as S100 protein and HMB45 has proved challenging. The MCW melanoma cocktail (a mixture of MART-1 [1:500], Melan-A [1:100] and tyrosinase [1:50] monoclonal antibodies) has demonstrated a highly discriminatory immunostaining pattern. Contrary to conventionally used immunomarkers such as S100 protein, the MCW melanoma cocktail facilitates detection of even singly scattered melanoma cells in sentinel lymph nodes, not only in permanent sections but also in imprint smears.

First CytoJournal Peer-Reviewer's Retreat in 2006 - Open Access, Peer-review, and Impact Factor

CytoJournal. 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16566816

CytoJournal organized its first Peer-Reviewer's Retreat of 2006 during the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology Annual Meeting at Atlanta on Feb 12, 2006. The major topics discussed were open access, peer review, and impact factors. Representative participants volunteered to join the task force to prepare an instructional guide for peer-reviewing cytopathology manuscripts. Concern about the impact factor for CytoJournal was discussed. A feedback to its readers and authors was recommended. Impact factor calculation needs at least three years of journal statistics. It is only possible after two years from the time a journal is first accepted by Thomson-ISI for citation tracking. CytoJournal is still too new for an impact factor to be calculated. However, general progress of CytoJournal suggests an encouraging pattern for high impact factor.

ASC-H in Pap Test--definitive Categorization of Cytomorphological Spectrum

CytoJournal. 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16686950

The American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP) guidelines for management of ASC-H is colposcopic examination followed by biopsy. HPV testing (HPVT) is recommended after a negative biopsy result. More definitive interpretation of ASC-H could prevent discomfort and minimize the cost. The purpose of this study was to evaluate association of various cytomorphological patterns of ASC-H with various clinical scenarios.

Prevention of an Additional Surgery for Regional Lymphadenectomy in Melanoma: Rapid Intraoperative Immunostaining of Sentinel Lymph Node Imprint Smears

Diagnostic Pathology. 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 16999866

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is performed at many institutions and is considered a standard of care in the management of cutaneous melanoma. The discriminatory immunostaining pattern with the 'MCW Melanoma Cocktail' (a mixture of MART-1 {1:500}, Melan- A {1:100}, and Tyrosinase {1:50} monoclonal antibodies) allows intraoperative immunocytochemical evaluation of imprint smears of SLNs for melanoma metastases. Cohesive cells of benign capsular melanocytic nevi that were also immunoreactive with the cocktail do not exfoliate easily for imprint smear detection.

Androgen Receptor Expression in Metastatic Adenocarcinoma in Females Favors a Breast Primary

Diagnostic Pathology. 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17020615

The differential diagnosis of metastatic mammary adenocarcinoma and adenocarcinomas from other primary sites can be challenging, particularly in tumors that are poorly differentiated and negative for Estrogen/Progesterone receptors (ER/PR). With progression of disease, Androgen receptors (AR) are preserved with higher frequency than ER/PR in metastatic mammary carcinoma. This study was undertaken to evaluate the diagnostic significance of AR expression in adenocarcinoma of breast and other morphologically similar adenocarcinomas.

Alveolar Proteinosis in a Patient Recovering from Pneumocystis Carinii Infection: a Case Report with a Review of Literature

CytoJournal. 2006  |  Pubmed ID: 17034646

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis is a rare lung disorder, which was first reported as idiopathic condition in 1958. The prevalence of acquired pulmonary alveolar proteinosis has been estimated to be 0.37 per 100,000 population. The cause of this condition is not entirely clear. We present alveolar proteinosis in a case recently treated for pulmonary Pneumocystis carinii infection.

Evaluation and Significance of Hyperchromatic Crowded Groups (HCG) in Liquid-based Paps

CytoJournal. 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17241469

Hyperchromatic crowded groups (HCG), a term first introduced into the cytology literature by DeMay in 1995, are commonly observed in Pap tests and may rarely be associated with serious but difficult to interpret lesions. In this study, we specifically defined HCG as dark crowded cell groups with more than 15 cells which can be identified at 10x screening magnification.

Tissue Harvester with Functional Valve (THFV): Shidham's Device for Reproducibly Higher Specimen Yield by Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy with Easy to Perform Steps

BMC Clinical Pathology. 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17343753

Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) cytology has been a highly effective methodology for tissue diagnosis and for various ancillary studies including molecular tests. In addition to other benefits, FNAB predominantly retrieves the diagnostic loosely cohesive cells in the lesion as compared to the adjacent supporting stroma with relatively higher cohesiveness. However, FNAB procedure performed with currently available resources is highly skill dependent with inter-performer variability, which compromises its full potential as a diagnostic tool. In this study we report a device overcoming these limitations.

Should LSIL with ASC-H (LSIL-H) in Cervical Smears Be an Independent Category? A Study on SurePath Specimens with Review of Literature

CytoJournal. 2007  |  Pubmed ID: 17374161

Cervical smears exhibiting unequivocal features of 'low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion' (LSIL) are occasionally also admixed with some cells suspicious for, but not diagnostic of, 'high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion' (HSIL). Only a few studies, mostly reported as abstracts, have evaluated this concurrence. In this study, we evaluate the current evidence that favors a distinct category for "LSIL, cannot exclude HSIL" (LSIL-H), and suggest a management algorithm based on combinations of current ASCCP guidelines for related interpretations.

Autograft Containment in Posterolateral Spine Fusion

The Spine Journal : Official Journal of the North American Spine Society. Jul-Aug, 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 17923443

Pseudoarthrosis rates in lumbar intertransverse fusion remain high. Compression and displacement of the developing fusion mass by the paraspinal musculature may be a contributory factor. Biocontainment devices have been clinically used in the skull and mandible to guide bone regeneration. The role of a mechanical device in containing graft material in the developing posterolateral lumbar spine fusion is unclear.

CytoJournal's Move to the New Platform: More on Financial Model to the Support Open-access Charter in Cytopathology, Publication Quality Indicators, and Other Issues

CytoJournal. 2008  |  Pubmed ID: 19495401

Market Survey Predictions on the Future of US Pap Testing

CytoJournal. 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19826480

Ciliated Foregut Cyst of the Pancreas: Preoperative Diagnosis Using Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology--a Case Report with a Review of the Literature

CytoJournal. 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19876385

A 51-year-old male presented with a 4-month history of abdominal pain, decreased appetite, and postprandial bloating. A CT scan showed a solitary, 5.3 x 4.4 cm, cystic lesion in the body/tail of the pancreas. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography did not show communication between the pancreatic duct and the cystic lesion. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) examination revealed a 6.9 x 2.4 cm cystic lesion in the body/tail region of the pancreas without septae or solid components. The pancreatic parenchyma, pancreatic duct, and common bile duct were unremarkable. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) was performed using a 22-gauge EchotipTM needle. Only a few drops of viscous fluid could be aspirated. Papanicolaou-stained direct smears and SurePath (Autocyte) preparations were evaluated. The direct smears were hypocellular; however, the concentration method producing liquid-based cytology preparation showed detached ciliary tufts (degenerated debris with ciliated cellular fragments of cell tops without nuclei) and occasional intact ciliated cells consistent with a ciliated foregut cyst. Although benign, the cyst was resected to alleviate the symptoms. The surgical pathology confirmed the benign preoperative interpretation of the ciliated foregut cyst. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of pancreatic ciliated foregut cyst reported to be diagnosed preoperatively by EUS-FNA. For a proper preoperative cytologic diagnosis, the needle rinses should be processed adequately. Otherwise, these hypocellular specimens with mucin may be misinterpreted as mucinous cystic lesions.

The Effect of Platelet-rich Plasma and Bone Marrow on Murine Posterolateral Lumbar Spine Arthrodesis with Bone Morphogenetic Protein

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume. May, 2009  |  Pubmed ID: 19411469

Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) has had limited success in stimulating osteogenesis at the site of posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis when used at the currently approved human dose for anterior lumbar interbody arthrodesis. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of co-administration of fresh harvested autologous bone marrow aspirate and platelet-rich plasma on rhBMP-2-mediated in vivo murine posterolateral lumbar spine arthrodesis.

Evaluation of Sentinel Lymph Nodes for Melanoma Metastases by Pathologists

Clinics in Plastic Surgery. Jan, 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 19914462

The pathologic evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for melanoma metastases is not without significant challenges. It is affected by significant variation in approaches, which may compromise the final interpretation, leading to nonrepresentative spurious results. This article discusses various approaches along with recommended dos and don'ts for optimum evaluation of sentinel lymph nodes for melanoma metastases.

Two-color Immunocytochemistry for Evaluation of Effusion Fluids for Metastatic Adenocarcinoma

CytoJournal. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 20333313

The evaluation of serous fluids by conventional one color immunocytochemistry is complex and challenging.

Compensation Crisis Related to the Onsite Adequacy Evaluation During FNA Procedures-Urgent Proactive Input from Cytopathology Community is Critical to Establish Appropriate Reimbursement for CPT Code 88172 (or Its New Counterpart if Introduced in the Future)

CytoJournal. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21082041

The confusion centered around appropriate use of the CPT billing code 88172 is addressed in the commentary from the Economic and Government Affairs Committee of the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) who have written a timely commentary in this issue of Cytojournal, "Adequate Reimbursement is Crucial to Support Cost-Effective Rapid Onsite Cytopathology Evaluations". Currently, lack of standardized use within and between pathology departments is stirring unhealthy practices of denying reimbursements for this critical and legitimate cytopathology service. This editorial discusses the important concerns raised in this commentary and recommends immediate corrective action. (See also Al-Abbadi MA, et al. Adequate reimbursement is crucial to support cost-effective rapid on-site cytopathology evaluations. CytoJournal 2010;7:22).

Thank You CytoJournal Reviewers and Authors - 2008 Through 2010

CytoJournal. 2010  |  Pubmed ID: 21298023

P16 Immunocytochemistry on Cell Blocks As an Adjunct to Cervical Cytology: Potential Reflex Testing on Specially Prepared Cell Blocks from Residual Liquid-based Cytology Specimens

CytoJournal. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21369522

p16 (INK4a) (p16) is a well-recognized surrogate molecular marker for human papilloma virus (HPV) related squamous dysplasia. Our hypothesis is that the invasive interventions and related morbidities could be avoided by objective stratification of positive cytologic interpretations by p16 immunostaining of cell block sections of cytology specimens.

Detection of Amyloid in Abdominal Fat Pad Aspirates in Early Amyloidosis: Role of Electron Microscopy and Congo Red Stained Cell Block Sections

CytoJournal. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 21760829

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of the abdominal fat pad is a minimally invasive procedure to demonstrate tissue deposits of amyloid. However, protocols to evaluate amyloid in fat pad aspirates are not standardized, especially for detecting scant amyloid in early disease.

Thank You Reviewers - CytoJournal 2011

CytoJournal. 2011  |  Pubmed ID: 22279492

CytoJournal, with its continued contribution of scientific cytopathology literature to the public domain under open access (OA) charter, thanks its dedicated peer reviewers for devoting significant efforts, time, and resources during 2011. The abstracts of poster-platform submissions to the 59(th) Annual Scientific Meeting (November 2011) of the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) in Baltimore, MD, USA, were peer reviewed by the ASC Scientific Program Committee.