Atypical cytology in tubal pregnancy

The V-C Pap smears taken from five cases of tubal pregnancy revealed dyskariotic endometrial cells characterized by clear, finely vacuolated, abundant cytoplasm with indistinct cellular borders and finely hyperchromatic nuclei. These cells, the cytologic counterpart of A-S reaction, may be interpreted as malignant by the unwary observer. Critical evaluation of their cytologic characteristics, however, is not likely to confirm this impression. The proper recognition of these atypical cells may be a valuable aid in suggesting the presence of ectopic pregnancy.