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Polyploid mesothelial cells in pleural fluid
Abstract:
The Feulgen-DNA content of the mesothelial cells in non-malignant pleural fluids was cytophotometrically examined on 21 autopsy cases, in 13 of which (62%) polyploid mesothelial cells with greater than tetraploid nuclear DNA content were found. In 7 the polyploid cells appeared at the rate of 6 to 14%, 6 of which had suffered from uremia or congestive cardiac failure. The appearance rate was closely related to such pleural pathologic changes as prominent edema, diffuse hemorrhage, and fibrin precipitation. The occurrence of these polyploid cells was considered to be the result of mitotic abnormalities in the affected pleural area. Since polyploid mesothelial cells are not rare in certain non-malignant pleural fluids, a trial to establish the diagnosis of malignancy based on DNA cytophotometry alone is not recommended.
Insights
Polyploid mesothelial cells with abnormal DNA content are common in non-malignant pleural fluids, especially with conditions like edema or hemorrhage. Relying solely on DNA cytophotometry for malignancy diagnosis is not advised.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Mesothelial cells line the pleural cavity.
- Abnormal DNA content in cells can indicate malignancy.
- Cytophotometry measures cellular DNA content.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Feulgen-DNA content of mesothelial cells in non-malignant pleural fluids.
- To determine the prevalence and characteristics of polyploid mesothelial cells in these fluids.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of DNA cytophotometry for malignancy in pleural effusions.
Main Methods:
- Cytophotometric analysis of Feulgen-stained DNA in mesothelial cells.
- Examination of pleural fluid samples from 21 non-malignant autopsy cases.
- Correlation of polyploid cell occurrence with clinical and pathological findings.
Main Results:
- Polyploid mesothelial cells (greater than tetraploid DNA content) were found in 62% of cases.
- The rate of polyploid cells was higher in cases with uremia or congestive cardiac failure.
- Increased polyploid cells correlated with pleural edema, hemorrhage, and fibrin precipitation.
- Mitotic abnormalities were suggested as the cause of polyploid cell formation.
Conclusions:
- Polyploid mesothelial cells are not rare in non-malignant pleural fluids.
- Their presence is associated with specific pleural pathological changes.
- Diagnosis of malignancy should not rely solely on DNA cytophotometry in pleural fluids.