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Expression of cytokeratin MNF116 and vimentin in pleural serous effusions
Liliana Mocanu1, Anca Maria Cîmpean, M Raica
1Department of Clinical Laboratory, County Hospital of Sibiu, Romania. lcmocanu@yahoo.co.uk
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the value of cytokeratin (CK) MNF116 and vimentin in the differential diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions. There were evaluated smears from 30 patients with pleural effusions stained with May-Grünwald Giemsa and Papanicolaou techniques for the routine cytological diagnosis. Additional smears were immunostained with CK MNF116 and vimentin using LSAB2 technique. Two independent observers evaluated all smears. Smears were classified first by cytological examination in seven cases (23.33%) as benign, and in 23 cases (76.67%) as malignant pleural effusions. Mesothelial cells expressed CK MNF116 in 96.67% (29/30) of cases and vimentin in 33.33% (10/30) of cases. Malignant cells expressed CK MNF116 in 52.17% (12/23) of cases and vimentin in 30.43% (7/23) of cases. The pattern of immunostaining was diffuse cytoplasmic. In conclusion, CK MNF116 and vimentin may be used as a part of the panel of antibodies for differential diagnosis of malignant pleural effusions with primary unknown.
Insights
Cytokeratin (CK) MNF116 and vimentin aid in diagnosing malignant pleural effusions. These markers help differentiate cancerous cells from normal mesothelial cells in pleural fluid analysis.
Area of Science:
- Pathology
- Immunohistochemistry
- Cytology
Background:
- Malignant pleural effusions pose diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate differentiation from benign effusions is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the utility of cytokeratin (CK) MNF116 and vimentin in differentiating malignant pleural effusions.
- To evaluate the expression patterns of these markers in malignant and benign pleural cells.
Main Methods:
- Cytological analysis of 30 pleural effusion cases using May-Grünwald Giemsa and Papanicolaou stains.
- Immunohistochemical staining with CK MNF116 and vimentin using the LSAB2 technique.
- Independent evaluation of stained smears by two observers.
Main Results:
- Cytology classified 76.67% of effusions as malignant.
- CK MNF116 was expressed in 96.67% of mesothelial cells and 52.17% of malignant cells.
- Vimentin was expressed in 33.33% of mesothelial cells and 30.43% of malignant cells.
Conclusions:
- CK MNF116 and vimentin show distinct expression patterns in malignant pleural effusions.
- These markers can be valuable additions to antibody panels for diagnosing unknown primary malignant pleural effusions.
