Df. Fischler et Ra. Prayson, CYTOLOGIC SPECIMENS FROM THE EYE - A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF 33 PATIENTS, Diagnostic cytopathology, 17(4), 1997, pp. 262-266
Cytologic specimens from the eye (CSE) (fine-needle aspirates and intr
aocular [vitrectomy] washings) are uncommon in most cytology practices
. We reviewed our experience and diagnostic accuracy in lesions from t
his site over a 13-yr period. Thirty-three patients (12 males, 21 fema
les, age 7-85 yr; mean 56 yr) were identified. Eighteen specimens were
submitted to rule out malignancy. Of these, four CSE were positive, i
ncluding melanoma (n = 1), large-cell lymphoma (n = 2), and carcinoma
(n = 1). None of the 14 patients with negative cytology showed clinica
l evidence of malignancy over a 1-28-mo follow-up period (mean, 8.4 mo
). Fourteen specimens were submitted to rule out infectious agents. Cy
tology material contained culture-proven organisms in one case each of
Candida and Aspergillus. Of serology-confirmed specimens, four CSE fa
iled to reveal toxoplasma, and three lacked herpes viral inclusions. O
ne case each of culture-positive P. acnes and C. albicans lacked the o
rganisms in the CSE. Twelve specimens were submitted to rule out infla
mmatory lesions. CSE showed chronic inflammation (n = 5), acute and ch
ronic inflammation (n = 1), macrophages (n = 5), and nonnecrotizing gr
anulomas (n = 1). Of 3 patients with sarcoidosis, CSE contained mature
lymphocytes in all 3 cases, but no granulomas. Although the numbers a
re small, there is greater sensitivity in the detection of malignancy
than of infectious agents. (C) 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.