CYTOLOGIC SPECIMENS FROM THE EYE - A CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF 33 PATIENTS

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.