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Biomedical subjects

J F Silverman

Publications and source records attributed to J F Silverman.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Surgical treatment of atherosclerotic lesions of the subclavian artery.

Of eight patients with atherosclerotic lesions (seven occlusive, one aneurysmal) of the subclavian artery, five were operated upon because of the subclavian steal and three for severe ischemia of the hand and fingers. Removal or bypass of these lesions was uniformly successful in relieving symptoms. In most cases transcervical carotid-subclavian saphenous vein bypass graft is the treatment of choice, provided no carotid obstruction exists or, if there is obstruction, it can be dealt with at operation.

Adult↗

Psammoma bodies and optically clear nuclei in bronchiolo-alveolar cell carcinoma. Diagnosis by fine needle aspiration biopsy with histologic and ultrastructural confirmation.

The fine needle aspiration cytology of two cases of bronchiolo-alveolar cell carcinoma of the lung having unusual features is reported. One case demonstrated numerous psammoma bodies in the cytologic smears, whereas the other case showed an abundance of cells with optically clear nuclei. Both peripherally located tumors were resected and confirmed as primary bronchiolo-alveolar cell carcinoma by histologic and ultrastructural examination. We believe this to be the first report describing these unusual features of bronchiolo-alveolar cell carcinoma diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology. Presented is a discussion of psammoma bodies and optically clear nuclei seen in primary and metastatic tumors of the lung. This will aid in the diagnosis of these cases.

Adenocarcinoma, Bronchiolo-Alveolar↗

Fine-needle aspiration versus large-needle biopsy or cutting biopsy in evaluation of thyroid nodules.

This report describes our experience with both fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies and large-needle biopsies (LNB) or core biopsies (CB) performed at the same time on 23 patients out of a series of 309 patients examined by the FNA technique. There was no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy of tissue obtained with the FNA technique when compared with the LNB or CB biopsy technique. While FNA always yielded tissue adequate for diagnosis, the LNB, and/or CB technique yielded tissue insufficient for diagnosis in four of 26 biopsies (15.4%). We believe that the FNA is better able to sample a mass with fewer insufficient specimens. Using FNA, the diagnosis can be rendered more rapidly, at lower cost, and with decreased potential for complications. The adequacy of the FNA biopsies can be assessed immediately using a modified Wright stain (Diff-Quik). Repeat biopsies can be performed that better sample the lesions with increased patient acceptance.

Adenoma↗

Malignant thymic neoplasms: diagnosis by fine-needle aspiration biopsy with histologic, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural confirmation.

Two cases of malignant thymic neoplasms diagnosed by transthoracic fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy under fluoroscopic and computerized axial tomography (CT) guidance with histologic, immunocytochemical, and ultrastructural confirmation are presented. The clinical and cytomorphologic features of the first case were typical of a malignant thymoma. A characteristic biphasic cell population of benign epithelial cells and mature lymphocytes was seen in Diff-Quik- and Papanicolaou-stained smears from the anterior mediastinal mass and the paravertebral metastasis and was confirmed by histologic examination. Immunoperoxidase studies for T and B cell subsets demonstrated lymphocytes with the thymic lymphocyte phenotype (Leu 6). Electron microscopic (EM) examination revealed epithelial cells with desmosomal attachments, tonofilaments, and extended cell processes along with mature lymphocytes. FNA biopsy of the second case demonstrated features of a thymic carcinoma. Individually scattered and loosely clustered small groups of markedly anaplastic and pleomorphic large cells were seen both in the Diff-Quik- and Papanicolaou-stained smears. EM performed on the FNA specimen demonstrated the poorly differentiated epithelial nature of the malignancy. The mediastinal mass was partially resected and demonstrated an undifferentiated carcinoma staining positively for low-molecular-weight cytokeratin. Ultrastructure demonstrated cell attachments and relationships consistent with carcinoma. The lack of a lung or other extrapulmonary primary tumor was consistent with a thymic carcinoma. These cases demonstrate the value of performing EM and immunocytochemistry on material obtained by fine-needle aspiration, which can aid in establishing the correct diagnosis and facilitate the clinical management of patients with malignant thymic neoplasms.

Adult↗

Vascular endothelial growth factor expression in stage I non-small cell lung cancer correlates with neoangiogenesis and a poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in tumor growth and metastasis. We investigated the prognostic significance of VEGF overexpression, intratumoral microvessel density (MVD), and angiolymphatic invasion in stage Ia-b non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Eighty-five patients undergoing complete surgical resection of pathologic stage Ia-b NSCLC were evaluated. The mean and median clinical follow-up were 37.1 and 39.0 months (range, 30-44 months), respectively. Paraffin-embedded tumor specimens were stained with VEGF and CD31 (a specific endothelial marker) using immunohistochemical methods. VEGF staining was evaluated, by combining both percentage of positive tumor cells and staining intensity, as low (negative and < 20% of tumor cells showing weak positivity), or high (> 20% of tumor cells showing strong positivity). CD31 staining was expressed as MVD per high power field at 400x magnification. Angiolymphatic invasion was expressed as either presence or absence. RESULTS: Low VEGF expression was seen in 25 (29%) patients, and high VEGF expression was seen in 60 (71%) patients. The survival rate in patients with low VEGF expression was significantly higher (80%) than that in those with high VEGF expression (48%, P = .018). The mean MVD in the low VEGF group was 23.7 +/- 5.7 vs. 34.4 +/- 9.3 in the high VEGF group (P = .001). Patients with high MVD also had a significantly lower survival rate than did those with low MVD count (46% vs. 73%, P = .0053). Age, sex, tumor type, and tumor differentiation were not found to be associated with overall survival. The presence of angiolymphatic invasion and T2 stage (i.e., tumor size > 3 cm) were associated with decreased survival. High VEGF expression, tumor size, and angiolymphatic invasion emerged as three independent factors predicting worsening prognosis using multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: High VEGF expression within stage I NSCLC is closely associated with high intratumoral angiogenesis and poor prognosis. Immunohistochemical evaluation of T stage and VEGF expression along with examination of angiolymphatic invasion perioperatively may aid in predicting prognosis. Adjuvant therapies aimed at retarding tumor angiogenesis may be considered for stage I NSCLC patients with high VEGF levels.

Adult↗

Fine needle aspiration cytology of a pancreatic cyst in a patient with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Solitary cysts occur in approximately 10% of patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can be beneficial in evaluating complications related to the cysts and in excluding malignancies and other cystic lesions that can occur in these patients. CASE: FNAC was performed on a benign epithelial cyst in a symptomatic, 25-year-old, white female with ADPKD. The aspirate consisted of scattered small, flat groups of uniform epithelial cells arranged in a honey-comb fashion. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first FNAC report of a pancreatic cyst in ADPKD.

Adult↗

Accuracy of touch imprint cytology of image-directed breast core needle biopsies.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of touch imprint (TI) cytology of image-directed core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens of nonpalpable breast lesions. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-two consecutive CNBs from 44 patients were performed under mammographic or ultrasound guidance. Air- dried TIs of CNBs were stained with Diff-Quik. TI cellularity was considered adequate if six or more ductal cell groups were identified. CNBs and TIs were interpreted in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: TI cellularity was adequate in 37/52 (71%) cases, including 17/20 carcinomas and 20/32 benign lesions. Among 17 carcinomas, TIs were positive in 12, suspicious in 4 and atypical in 1. One case of lactational change was suspicious on TI, and 5/8 fibroadenomas were atypical. No benign lesions were called "carcinoma" on cytology. When lesions categorized as "carcinoma" or "suspicious" were considered positive and those classified as "atypical" or "benign" were scored as negative, TI sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 95%, respectively. When the "atypical" cases were grouped with the positive cases, TI sensitivity was 100%, with 75% specificity. CONCLUSION: With satisfactory cellularity, TIs of CNBs are highly accurate. When immediate evaluation of CNB specimens is important, TIs can potentially decrease the number of biopsy passes required and provide preliminary diagnoses.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Fine needle aspiration cytology of a mediastinal granular cell tumor with histologic confirmation and ancillary studies. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Mediastinal granular cell tumors (GCT) are extraordinarily rare and have not been previously reported in the cytology literature. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of GCT resembles the cytologic features of several other lesions that are more common in the mediastinum. CASE: A middle-aged female with a recent onset of nonproductive cough and otherwise unremarkable medical history presented with a mediastinal mass. Imaging studies confirmed the presence of a large mass in the superior, posterior mediastinum closely apposed to the apex of the left lung. FNA revealed scattered large, polygonal to spindle cells with granular cytoplasm and indistinct cell borders. The cytologic differential diagnosis included a benign neural tumor with granular cell features versus GCT. Histologic examination of the surgically resected mass along with supportive immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies confirmed GCT. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of FNA cytology of a mediastinal GCT. A reliable diagnosis can be made with aspirated material from these lesions based upon the characteristic cytologic, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural features of the tumors.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Crystallizing galactocele. A case report.

BACKGROUND: Galactoceles are benign cystic lesions that generally occur during pregnancy and postpartum lactation. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) yields milky fluid that is often both diagnostic and therapeutic. Cytologically, aspirates are generally noted to contain occasional foam cells and benign epithelium displaying lactational change with an abundant background of lipid micelles and proteinaceous material. CASE: A 23-year-old, black female presented with a 1.0-cm, discrete, nontender nodule involving the upper middle area of the left breast. FNA showed crystals of varying size and shape, best viewed with Diff-Quik and demonstrating metachromasia, polarization and birefringence. They were also positive with periodic acid-Schiff stain and both alizarin red S and von Kossa stain for calcium. Scanning electron microscopy revealed angulated, well-defined geometric crystals often with scalloped edges and smooth surfaces. The internal structure of the crystals consisted of electron-lucent material without periodicity or lattice formation, as observed by transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Electron probe microanalysis identified small quantities of calcium, chlorine, potassium and sulphur within the crystals. CONCLUSION: We think that in this case the crystals represented precipitation of inspissated lactational secretions. There are several possible mechanisms of precipitation. The differential diagnosis includes other breast lesions with acellular amorphous components that may be confused with crystallizing galactocele in FNA biopsy specimens.

Adult↗

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of metastatic malignant melanoma with "rhabdoid" features. Frequency, cytologic features, pitfalls and ancillary studies.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the cytopathology of metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) with "rhabdoid" features, a recently described, rare morphologic variant of MM that can be incorrectly diagnosed in fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of all FNA biopsy material with the diagnosis of metastatic MM was performed at two institutions. Only cases with a predominant composition of cells that met criteria defined as "rhabdoid" morphology were selected for study. The cytomorphologic features, immunocytochemistry and clinical features of these cases were reviewed. RESULTS: Of 88 FNA cases previously diagnosed as metastatic MM, 4 (4.6%) had a predominance of cells with rhabdoid features. These cases consisted of scattered atypical cells having enlarged, eccentrically placed nuclei; prominent nucleoli; and a moderate amount of cytoplasm possessing round, globular inclusions in Papanicolaou- and Diff-Quik-stained smears. Immunochemistry showed strong S-100, HMB-45 and vimentin staining in two of four cases. CONCLUSIONS: Metastatic MM may present in FNA biopsy as a poorly differentiated malignancy with rhabdoid features, potentially leading to an incorrect cytologic diagnosis. MM must be considered when evaluating neoplasms with a rhabdoid phenotype. Correlation of the cytologic finding with the clinical history and immunohistochemical studies can help in diagnosing this morphologic variant.

Adrenal Gland Neoplasms↗

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of hepatic lymphomas: cytomorphology and ancillary studies.

OBJECTIVE: The utility of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for the diagnosis of epithelial hepatic neoplasms is now widely recognized. The liver may also play host to malignant nonepithelial stromal and lymphoreticular neoplasms, both metastatic and rarely primary. The cytomorphology of these hepatic tumors in aspiration smears is much less well known. In the current study, we examined FNAB material from hepatic lymphomas, including ancillary studies. STUDY DESIGN: We collected 16 cases of lymphoma involving the liver and diagnosed by FNAB. The patients included seven women and nine men, with ages ranging from 34 to 84 years. Nine patients did not have a diagnosis of lymphoma prior to FNAB. In all cases, aspiration smears were stained by both Diff-Quik and Papanicolaou stain. RESULTS: Dispersed, monomorphic lymphoid cells were usually numerous, whereas benign hepatocytes were scanty. In addition to the lymphoid appearances of individual cells, helpful clues included the presence of lymphoglandular bodies and the absence of true intercellular cohesion. There were 6 large cell, 3 immunoblastic, 2 small cell, 1 small cell cleaved, 2 mixed cell and 2 unclassified lymphomas in our FNAB series. Immunocytochemical studies were performed on 9 aspirated specimens, flow cytometry on 4 and gene rearrangement on 1. All these ancillary studies supported the cytomorphologic diagnosis of lymphoma, with approximately 90% classified as of B-cell lineage. All seven subsequent histologic examinations were confirmatory. CONCLUSION: Other entities that must be considered in the FNAB differential diagnosis of hepatic lesions are nonlymphoreticular small cell neoplasms, inflammatory processes and sinusoidal hematopoietic cells. FNAB with ancillary studies can successfully establish the diagnosis of involvement of the liver by lymphoma.

Adult↗

Atypical cytomorphologic appearance of Cryptococcus neoformans: a report of five cases.

BACKGROUND: Cryptococcus neoformans is not generally recognized as producing pseudohyphae. Although atypical morphologic forms have been described in the microbiology literature, we believe this is the first complete cytologic report describing this uncommon and unusual cytologic appearance of cryptococcal infection. CASES: In five cases of cryptococcal infection, C neoformans formed chains of budding yeasts, pseudohyphae and germ tube-like structures. The atypical forms of C neoformans were seen in cerebrospinal fluid, imprints and in histopathologic sections from multiple organs from two human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients; in pleural fluid from a patient with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma; in crush smears from a stereotactic biopsy of the brain; and in a fine needle aspirate of a lung nodule in two patients with no known risk factors for HIV infection. CONCLUSION: Recognition of atypical cytomorphologic variants of C neoformans is important since there are potential diagnostic pitfalls for confusing these atypical-appearing organisms with a Candida-type species or fungal contaminants. Special stains for capsular material and culture can be helpful in making a correct diagnosis.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗