NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY OF ACINAR-CELL CARCINOMA OF THE PANCREAS -REPORT OF A CASE WITH DIAGNOSTIC PITFALLS AND UNUSUAL ULTRASTRUCTURALFINDINGS

A case of histologically and ultrastructurally confirmed acinar-cell c arcinoma of the pancreas examined by needle aspiration cytology is rep orted. The aspirate showed isolated and loosely clustered cells with v ariable granular cytoplasm, and central or eccentrically located oval hyperchromatic nuclei dysplaying prominent nucleoli, suggesting apancr eatic neuroendocrine tumor. Numerous intracytoplasmic zymogen granules and several microtubules within cisternae of rough endoplasmic reticu lum (MCRER) were found by electron microscopic study of metastatic tum or tissue. Cytodiagnostic pitfalls of this rare pancreatic cancer are discussed as well as the diagnostic value of MCRERs. (C) 1994 Wiley-Li ss, Inc.