The accuracy of intraoperative cytopathological diagnosis compared with conventional histopathological diagnosis

To determine the accuracy of intraoperative cytopathological diagnosis comp ared with conventional histopathological diagnosis, the authors obtained 10 0 specimens from masses of various organ systems chosen randomly from 65 do gs, 30 cats, and five exotic animals. Of the 100 specimens, a specific diag nosis was obtained in 42%, the correct pathological process (i.e., mesenchy mal neoplasia, epithelial neoplasia, round cell neoplasia, or inflammation) was identified in 41%, in 1% the diagnosis was deferred, and in 16% an inc orrect diagnosis was obtained. The overall accuracy rate of intraoperative cytopathological examination was 83%, which increased to 90% by the exclusi on of splenic masses. The accuracy rate of diagnosing neoplasia was 87%, wi th a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 100%. Intraoperative cytopatho logical examination is an accurate diagnostic method with good sensitivity and specificity for the identification of neoplasia.