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S L Hirschowitz

Publications and source records attributed to S L Hirschowitz.

11 recordsLinked to original sources

Cytokeratin 20 as an immunocytochemical marker for detection of urothelial carcinoma in atypical cytology: preliminary retrospective study on archived urine slides.

Previous studies have shown that expression of cytokeratin 20 (CK20), a constituent of intermediate filaments, is increased in malignant versus benign urine samples. To evaluate whether immunocytochemical staining of CK20 on archived urine slides could be used as a potential adjunct marker for triage of atypical urine cytology, we analyzed a total of 77 archived urine slides obtained from a spectrum of patients with various risks of developing urothelial carcinoma. These patients were divided into four groups on the basis of initial urine cytologic results and subsequent follow-up biopsy findings; group 1 had negative results in both evaluations, whereas the results in group 4 were positive for both cytology and biopsy. Groups 2 and 3 had a diagnosis of atypical urine cytology; however, patients in group 3 had a positive follow-up biopsy, and patients in group 2 did not. The Papanicolaou-stained archived urine slides were destained and then restained immunocytochemically with monoclonal antibody against CK20. With 5% positively stained nonumbrella cells as a threshold, CK20 was positive in 94.4% of group 3 or 4 patients. In contrast, CK20 was positive in 27.3% of group 2 patients and in 10.5% of group 1 patients. The overall sensitivity and specificity for CK20 for the detection of urothelial carcinoma in this population of patients were 94.4% and 80.5%, respectively. This study demonstrated that immunocytochemical analysis of CK20 on archived urine slides could be used to triage atypical urine cytology into low- and high-risk categories and that CK20 might be a simple and useful early detection marker for urothelial carcinoma.

Adult↗

Pitfalls in the cytologic diagnosis of angiosarcoma of the breast by fine-needle aspiration: a case report.

This paper describes a case of angiosarcoma of the breast in a 26-yr-old female. The tumor, originally thought to be granulation tissue on fine-needle aspiration biopsy, was correctly identified as a malignant neoplasm of probable mesenchymal origin on a repeat FNA biopsy 4 mo later. A diagnosis of angiosarcoma was made on a subsequent excisional biopsy. Review of the cytologic features revealed findings that should suggest angiosarcoma, especially when correlated with the clinical history. The authors describe the cytological features seen in this case, and discuss an important pitfall in the diagnosis of angiosarcoma of the breast on FNA.

Adult↗

Initial clinical experience with dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide for detection of lymph node metastases in patients with head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with dextran-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide in the differentiation of metastatic and benign nodes in patients with head and neck cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MR imaging was performed before and after intravenous administration of iron oxide in 12 patients. Ninety-one pathologically proved nodes were visually analyzed, and 66 lymph nodes were quantitatively analyzed by measuring signal intensity in visually selected regions of interest. RESULTS: Forty of 42 histologically proved metastatic nodes and 41 of 49 benign nodes were detected, yielding 95% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The signal intensity ratio of benign nodes was substantially lower than that of metastatic nodes, indicating better differentiation of metastatic and benign nodes. Furthermore, 13 of 14 normal-sized nodes were detected. CONCLUSION: MR imaging with iron oxide can enable specific differentiation of metastatic and benign nodes in patients with head and neck cancer. This agent may potentially enhance the detection of metastatic lymph nodes and deserves further investigation.

Adult↗

Malignant endometrial pathology.

This review discusses recent papers on endometrial carcinoma variants, immunohistochemical studies, and prognostic indicators. The aggressive nature of uterine papillary serous carcinoma is confirmed, even in the absence of myometrial or vascular invasion, with a comprehensive review of the histology, clinical presentation, and proposed treatment protocols. The possible etiologic role of radiation in the development of uterine papillary serous carcinoma is alluded to. The virulence of endometrial carcinomas with trophoblastic differentiation, endometrial carcinomas with a malignant giant cell component, and clear cell carcinomas of the endometrium is documented. A series of immunohistochemical studies is presented suggesting that uterine carcinosarcomas are metaplastic carcinomas derived from a common stem cell and that a shared histogenesis of endometrial stromal tumors and uterine mesoderm exists. Immunohistochemical techniques may clarify diagnostic problems of uterine tumors and their metastases and differentiate mucinous tumors of endometrium from endocervical origin. Staining of both carcinoembryonic antigen and ferritin in neoplastic endometria may be helpful in their differentiation from hyperplasias in curettage specimens. Significant prognosticators in endometrial carcinoma are depth of myometrial invasion and lymphovascular space involvement with greatest prognostic information provided by the depth of myometrial invasion above DNA index.

Age Factors↗

Kallmann's syndrome. A case report.

A patient with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism and anosmia (Kallmann's syndrome) presenting as delayed puberty is described. The clinical, hormonal and testicular histological features are noted. The basic principles of treatment are discussed.

Adolescent↗

Triple test approach to inadequate fine needle aspiration biopsies of palpable breast lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To perform a retrospective study evaluating the triple test for inadequate fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsies of palpable breast lesions with a two-year clinical follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: All aspirates were reviewed and assessed for cellular adequacy in a one-year period. Specimen adequacy was based on the most stringent criteria, the presence of six or more epithelial cell clusters composed of at least six cells each. In all cases, clinical and radiologic results were reviewed and compared with the histologic outcome. RESULTS: Aspirates from 61 of 263 (23%) patients with palpable breast lesions that yielded nondiagnostic results were examined. The study showed a misdirected FNA rate of 21% and a misinterpreted rate of 1.6%. The other 77% of cases had benign surgical biopsies and/or clinical follow-up. Three of 61 (4.9%) cases with nondiagnostic smears were found to have cancer; two were inadequate due to misdirected aspirates, and one was misinterpreted microscopically. All cancer cases underwent surgical removal of the mass as a result of clinical or radiologic suspicion. CONCLUSION: We recommend utilizing the three diagnostic parameters of cytology, clinical findings and radiology, the "triple test," to achieve the best diagnostic accuracy in breast FNAs and to enhance patient management.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Recurrent secondary hyperparathyroidism after autotransplantation into the sternocleidomastoid muscle: report of a case with fine needle aspiration findings.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent hyperparathyroidism may occur following parathyroid autotransplantation due to autogenous function of the muscle-engrafted tissue. Parathyroid lesions are uncommonly diagnosed on cytology. CASE: A 31-year-old female with chronic renal failure presented with an elevated parathyroid hormone level and a neck mass in the left sternocleidomastoid muscle, the site of a previous parathyroid autograft. Fine needle aspiration of the mass revealed high cellularity, with perivascularly arranged, three-dimensional, branching clusters; individual cells; and naked nuclei exhibiting anisonucleosis. A diagnosis of parathyroid graft hyperplasia was made by fine needle aspiration and subsequently by histopathologic examination. CONCLUSION: Fine needle aspiration is an effective tool for confirming the presence of parathyroid autograft hyperplasia, thus allowing the correct surgical approach.

Adult↗

Fine needle aspiration biopsy of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. A report of two cases with a discussion of diagnostic pitfalls.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of a peripheral pulmonary nodule presents a challenge due to many diagnostic possibilities and pitfalls. We describe the cytologic features of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura, differential diagnoses, pertinent immunohistochemical stains and histogenesis. CASES: Two cases of solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura showed two cell populations on cytologic preparations; mesothelial cells and spindle cells. The neoplastic spindle cell component was positive for CD-34 and vimentin but not for cytokeratin. CONCLUSION: Solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura is rare but should be included in the differential diagnosis of a peripheral pulmonary nodule. Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and rapid method of providing a confirmatory diagnosis.

Aged↗

Fine needle aspiration diagnosis of fibromatosis colli. A report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Fibromatosis colli, a common cause of congenital muscular torticollis, should be differentiated from other neck masses in infants. Invasive diagnostic and therapeutic measures should be avoided. CASES: Three infants under the age of 2 months presented with neck masses--a clinical suspicion of malignancy, lymphadenopathy and teratoma. The cytologic findings included dyshesive multinucleated skeletal muscle fragments showing degenerative and atrophic changes within a background of scattered reactive fibroblasts. CONCLUSION: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a safe and rapid method of providing a confirmatory diagnosis of neck masses in infants.

Biopsy, Needle↗

The alcohol-fixed Diff-Quik stain. A novel rapid stain for the immediate interpretation of fine needle aspiration specimens.

A rapid alcohol-fixed Diff-Quik stain is described. The technique takes less than five minutes and results in excellent cytologic detail, comparable to that with Papanicolaou stain, as well as superb stromal definition. The stain should be very useful to pathologists and cytotechnologists for immediate interpretation of fine needle aspiration specimens.

Azure Stains↗