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Multinucleated giant cells in bronchoalveolar lavage
Izidor Kern1, Peter Kecelj, Mitja Kosnik
1Department of Cytology and Pathology, University Clinic of Respiratory and Allergic Diseases, Golnik 36, SI-4204 Golnik, Slovenia. izidor.kern@klinika-golnik.si
Acta Cytologica
|June 7, 2003
Summary
Multinucleated giant cells (MGC) appear infrequently in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Three distinct MGC types, identified by morphology, show potential diagnostic relevance in interstitial lung diseases.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Cytopathology
- Diagnostic Immunology
Background:
- Multinucleated giant cells (MGC) are observed in various lung conditions.
- Their presence and significance in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) require further elucidation.
- Understanding MGC morphology in BAL may aid in differential diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and morphology of MGC in BAL specimens.
- To explore the potential diagnostic value of MGC in differentiating lung diseases.
- To classify MGC based on cytomorphologic features observed in BAL.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 671 BAL specimens.
- Definition of MGC as cells with >= 10 nuclei.
- Cytomorphologic characterization and classification of MGC.
- Grouping of MGC-positive BAL specimens by clinicohistologic diagnosis.
Main Results:
- MGC were identified in 10.7% of BAL specimens, typically in low numbers.
- Three MGC types were distinguished: Langhans'/foreign-body-type (LF-MGC), alveolar macrophage-like (AM-MGC), and nonspecific (NS-MGC).
- LF-MGC were associated with sarcoidosis, while NS-MGC were more common in asbestosis and other interstitial lung diseases.
Conclusions:
- MGC are infrequent and not numerous in BAL specimens.
- Cytomorphologic analysis allows for the distinction of three MGC types.
- These MGC types may hold diagnostic significance in specific pulmonary conditions.