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Fine-needle aspiration cytology of orbital meningiomas
Pallavi Agrawal1, Pranab Dey, Uma Nahar Saikia
1Department of Cytopathology and Gynecological Pathology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.
Abstract:
Meningiomas are benign tumors derived from arachnoid cells. Most commonly they arise within the cranial cavity, but they may arise extracranially in various anatomic sites. We present four cases of orbital meningiomas diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and confirmed on histopathology. All the cases are presented with orbital mass. FNAC smears showed classical whorling and syncytial pattern of cells, with round to oval nucleus, inconspicuous nucleoli and one each case showed intranuclear inclusion and psammoma bodies. FNAC diagnosis of such lesions is difficult, because cytological features may mimic other soft tissue lesions located in orbital region. Awareness of this entity and its cytological appearance is important to allow correct diagnosis.
Insights
Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can diagnose orbital meningiomas, which are benign tumors. Recognizing specific cytological patterns is crucial for accurate diagnosis, distinguishing them from other orbital masses.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Ophthalmology
- Cytopathology
Background:
- Meningiomas originate from arachnoid cells and typically occur intracranially.
- Extracranial meningiomas can manifest in various anatomical locations, including the orbit.
Observation:
- This study details four cases of orbital meningiomas diagnosed via fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).
- All presented cases involved an orbital mass, with FNAC smears revealing characteristic whorling and syncytial patterns.
Findings:
- Cytological examination showed cells with round to oval nuclei and inconspicuous nucleoli.
- Specific findings included intranuclear inclusions and psammoma bodies in some cases.
Implications:
- Accurate diagnosis of orbital meningiomas via FNAC is challenging due to potential mimicry with other soft tissue lesions.
- Awareness of meningioma's cytological features is vital for correct diagnosis and patient management.
