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Lamellar Inclusions within Hyperplastic Endoplasmic Reticulum in Benign Mesothelial Cells
Simon Haefliger1, Deepali Jain2, Thomas Menter1
1Department of Pathology, Institute of Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
Cytoplasmic lamellar inclusions (LIs) in mesothelial cells are found in benign effusions, aiding differentiation from malignant cells. Electron microscopy revealed these inclusions within the rough endoplasmic reticulum.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Cell Biology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Mesothelial cells in effusion cytology can exhibit cytoplasmic lamellar inclusions (LIs).
- The nature, function, and diagnostic significance of these LIs are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of LIs in mesothelial cells.
- To determine the prevalence and diagnostic utility of LIs in routine cytological practice.
Main Methods:
- Review of 102 reactive and 90 malignant effusions (including 63 mesotheliomas and 27 carcinomas).
- Electron microscopy analysis of LIs in one effusion specimen.
Main Results:
- LIs were identified in 14% of benign mesothelial cells in reactive effusions and 4% in malignant effusions with carcinomatosis.
- LIs were absent in malignant mesothelioma effusions.
- Electron microscopy showed LIs as lamellar and tubular structures within hyperplastic rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER).
Conclusions:
- Cytoplasmic LIs within hyperplastic rER occur in up to 14% of effusions, exclusively in benign mesothelial cells.
- These inclusions serve as an indirect morphological marker for benign effusions.
- LIs can assist cytologists in distinguishing between reactive and malignant mesothelial cells.
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