Intranuclear inclusions in urinary cytology

Area of Science:

• Uropathology
• Cytopathology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Red intranuclear inclusion bodies in urinary cytology are rare findings.
• Previous literature primarily associates these inclusions with lead poisoning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate potential causes of red intranuclear inclusion bodies in urinary cytology specimens.
• To explore associations with lead poisoning, medications, illness, or neoplasia.

Main Methods:

• Review of 21 urinary cytology specimens from 16 patients exhibiting red intranuclear inclusions.
• Detailed patient history review for potential etiological factors.
• Acid-fast staining performed on select slides.

Main Results:

• No association with lead poisoning was identified in the reviewed cases.
• Consistent findings included all patients being female and over 50 years of age.
• Inclusions were exclusively observed in voided urine specimens; acid-fast stains were negative.

Conclusions:

• The etiology of these red intranuclear inclusion bodies remains undetermined.
• The findings suggest a potential link to a specific demographic (postmenopausal women) and specimen type (voided urine).
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the origin and significance of these inclusions.