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Scrape and fine-needle aspiration cytology of elastofibroma
Keiko Nagira1, Tetsuji Yamamoto, Toshihiro Akisue
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.
Background:
Cytological findings of elastofibroma have rarely been reported and, to the best of our knowledge, have been illustrated in only 4 patients in the English language literature.
Materials And Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and scrape smears in 5 cases of elastofibroma.
Results:
All the lesions were typically located between the rib cage and the scapula. The cytological smears consisted of mature adipocytes, fibroblasts, collagen fibers, globular bodies and characteristic "braid-like" or "fern-like" structures, revealing degenerative elastic fibers. All the smears were specifically diagnosed as elastofibroma in combination with clinical and radiological findings.
Conclusion:
FNAB smears of elastofibromas may be hypocellular due to their densely fibrous nature and therefore diagnostic material may often be overlooked. Careful evaluation of the background of the smears coupled with full knowledge of the clinical and radiological findings, including magnetic resonance imaging, is required to establish the correct diagnosis.
Insights
Cytological findings of elastofibroma are rare. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) can diagnose these benign tumors by identifying characteristic degenerative elastic fibers, aiding in correct diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cytological findings of elastofibroma are infrequently reported in scientific literature.
- Previous reports have illustrated cytological findings in only four patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the cytological features of elastofibroma.
- To highlight the diagnostic utility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for elastofibroma.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and scrape smears from five cases of elastofibroma.
- Analysis of cytological findings in conjunction with clinical and radiological data.
Main Results:
- Elastofibromas typically present as lesions located between the rib cage and scapula.
- Cytological smears revealed mature adipocytes, fibroblasts, collagen fibers, globular bodies, and characteristic "braid-like" or "fern-like" structures indicative of degenerative elastic fibers.
- Diagnosis of elastofibroma was confirmed by integrating cytological, clinical, and radiological findings.
Conclusions:
- Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) smears of elastofibromas can be hypocellular due to their dense fibrous nature, potentially leading to missed diagnoses.
- Accurate diagnosis requires careful evaluation of smear background and comprehensive knowledge of clinical and radiological findings, including MRI.
- FNAB is a valuable tool for diagnosing elastofibroma when interpreted in context.