Pelvic endometriosis diagnosed on touch imprint cytology
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison, Wisconsin, USA. sselvaggi@facstaff.wisc.edu
Insights
This case study presents pelvic endometriosis diagnosed via touch imprint cytology in a 34-year-old woman. The cytology revealed characteristic epithelial and spindle cell components, aiding diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Cytopathology
- Gynecologic Pathology
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition.
- Pelvic endometriosis can present diagnostic challenges.
- Touch imprint cytology is a rapid diagnostic method.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a case of pelvic endometriosis diagnosed by touch imprint cytology.
- To describe the cytomorphologic features of endometriosis on touch preparations.
- To discuss the differential diagnosis and potential pitfalls.
Main Methods:
- Touch imprint cytology of core biopsies.
- Morphologic evaluation of epithelial and spindle cell components.
Main Results:
- Touch preparations showed epithelial cells in clusters and sheets with finely granular chromatin.
- Spindle cell components with oval nuclei and small nucleoli were identified.
- The findings were consistent with pelvic endometriosis.
Conclusions:
- Touch imprint cytology is a valuable tool for diagnosing pelvic endometriosis.
- Recognizing the cytomorphologic features is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
- Awareness of differential diagnoses can prevent misinterpretation.
Abstract:
A case of pelvic endometriosis on touch imprint cytology in a 34-yr-old woman is presented and discussed. Touch preparations of the core biopsies showed both epithelial and spindle cell components. Bland-appearing epithelial cells, arranged in tight clusters and sheets, contained finely granular chromatin and scant cytoplasm. Clusters of bland-appearing spindle cells with oval nuclei containing small prominent nucleoli were present. The differential diagnosis and diagnostic pitfalls are discussed.
