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T Topalidis

Publications and source records attributed to T Topalidis.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

[Clinical utility of EUS-FNA in upper gastrointestinal and mediastinal disease].

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is increasingly used for the diagnosis of malignant and benign disease in the region of the upper GI tract. We prospectively investigated the clinical accuracy and safety of this method in unselected patients under routine conditions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 101 consecutive patients (median 61.5 years; 56 female) were enrolled in the study, in whom a total of 106 tissue biopsies were obtained by using EUS-FNA. Major indications for EUS-FNA were suspicious lesions located in the mediastinum, esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, biliary system, adrenals or retroperitoneum. A longitudinal echoendoscope (HITACHI FG-34UX) equipped with a standard 22G -aspiration needle was used. The aspirated specimens were analyzed further by using standard cytology and/or histology. Lymph-node biopsies were additionally subjected to flow-cytometry (FACS-light-chain restriction). Surgery was used for reference (where available). In the remaining cases the final diagnosis obtained by the clinical course and all available imaging and histologic informations (ultrasound, CT, MRT) was used for reference. RESULTS: EUS-FNA caused no serious complications. In 6/106 specimen (5.6 %) no sufficient cell material could be aspirated. In the remaining 100 specimens EUS-FNA reached an overall sensitivity of 78 % and a specificity of 100 %, while the accuracy was 89 % and the positive and negative predictive values were 100 % and 81 %, respectively. The greatest diagnostic accuracy was achieved in mediastinal and retroperitoneal lesions, while the accuracy of EUS-FNA in pancreatic lesions and perigastric lymph nodes was distinctly smaller (<80 %). Addition of FACS studies in patients with suspected malignant lymphoma increased the diagnostic accuracy in the small number of patients included in the study. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA improves the tissue-based diagnosis of suspicious lesions in locations that are difficult to access (e. g., posterior mediastinum). EUS-FNA is safe, while its diagnostic accuracy is relatively high. Our preliminary data suggest that flow-cytometry may improve the fine-needle based diagnosis of non-Hodgkin s lymphoma, which should be further investigated.

Adrenal Glands↗

EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration of suspected hilar cholangiocarcinoma in potentially operable patients with negative brush cytology.

BACKGROUND: Despite improvements of diagnostic modalities differentiation between benign and malignant hilar strictures remains a challenge. Hilar neoplasia requires preoperative tissue diagnosis to avoid risk of inappropriate extensive surgery. This is commonly attempted using various techniques at ERCP, which have variable sensitivity and accuracy. We used endosonography-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for the preoperative diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC). METHODS: Prospective evaluation of 44 patients (31 male, mean age: 59 yr) with strictures at the liver hilum were diagnosed by CT and/or ERCP. All were suspicious of HC but had inconclusive tissue diagnosis. They underwent EUS-FNA with linear echo endoscope and 22 gauge needles. RESULTS: Adequate material was obtained in 43 of 44 patients. Cytology revealed HC in 26 and other malignancies in 5 patients; 12 had benign results: sclerosing cholangitis (n = 4), primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 4), inflammation (n = 3), sarcoid-like lesion (n = 1). There were no significant differences in age, lesion size, or echo features among patients with adenocarcinomas, other malignancies, or benign lesions. Thirty-two patients underwent surgery, 2 had autopsy, 10 were followed up clinically. Four of the benign results were false negatives. No complications occurred. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 91%, 89%, and 100%, respectively. EUS and EUS-FNA changed preplanned surgical approach in 27 of 44 patients. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EUS-FNA is of value as a new, less-invasive approach for tissue diagnosis of hilar strictures of unknown cause. It was technically feasible without significant risks, when other diagnostic tests were inconclusive and was able to change preplanned management in about half of the patients.

Bile Duct Neoplasms↗

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of liver lesions: histological and cytological assessment.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy (EUS-FNA) is used increasingly for the diagnosis of mediastinal, biliopancreatic, and gastric tumors. However, little is known about EUS-FNA in hepatic lesions and the best method for tissue analysis. We assessed EUS-FNA combined with histological and cytological evaluation in selected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 41 patients (66 +/- 7 years) were prospectively studied, 33 of whom had clinical findings suggestive of liver malignancies. Selection for EUS-FNA was based on an increased risk of bleeding from percutaneous biopsy (coagulopathy, cirrhosis, ascites, aspirin intake; n = 15), presence of small liver tumors < 2 cm (n = 12), or liver lesions found incidentally (n = 14). Transgastric EUS-FNA of lesions located in accessible liver segments was performed using the Hitachi FG-34UX longitudinal echo endoscope and a 22-G aspiration needle. Specimens were submitted separately for standard cytological and histological evaluation. In the case of malignancies, findings at surgery with histological examination, endoscopy, or computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy of the primary cancer served as reference results (n = 33), while in benign disorders, a combination of imaging studies (Magnetic Resonance Tomography , scintigraphy) and the clinical follow-up, as summarized in the physician's report, was used as reference. RESULTS: EUS-FNA provided appropriate biopsy specimens in 40/41 patients. It was not possible to aspirate sufficient material in one patient. On average, 1.4 needle passes were necessary to obtain sufficient amounts of tissue. With regard to malignancy, the combination of histological and cytological examination had a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 100%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 78%, and positive predictive value (PPV) of 100%. Tissue diagnoses were in agreement in 27/41 patients (65%). In the remaining patients, only the cytological examination identified six lesions correctly, while the histological assessment was correct in another seven patients. Malignant lesions were correctly identified by cytology in 24/33 (73%) patients, while histology alone was diagnostic for malignancy in 27/33 (82%) patients. When both modalities were combined, 31 out of 33-malignancies (94%) were correctly diagnosed. Minor complications occurred in two patients and consisted of self-limiting local bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA of liver tumors is a powerful, reliable, and safe procedure for the diagnosis of malignant liver lesions. Optimal diagnostic results are achieved by combining cytological with histological assessment. Hence, EUS-FNA is an alternative to percutaneous biopsy, particularly in patients at risk of bleeding or with small lesions of the liver.

Aged↗

Diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a high-risk patient by using transgastric EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy (EUS-FNA).

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary malignancy arising within the liver and most often affects individuals with chronic hepatitis and/or liver cirrhosis. Patients often present at an advanced stage of disease or with poor liver function, thus limiting treatment options and resulting in a poor prognosis of the disease. Therefore, an early tissue-based diagnosis of HCC is necessary to direct further work-up and treatment. We present the case of a 70-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis at stage Child C, in whom a tumor nodule was found incidentally within the left lobe of the liver. Percutaneous biopsy was deemed too dangerous because a deteriorated liver function with coagulopathy was present, and a significant amount of ascites surrounded the small cirrhotic liver. To obtain a conclusive diagnosis, we performed transgastric fine-needle biopsy of the tumor under direct endosonographic guidance (EUS-FNA) without complications. Cytologic examination confirmed the presence of a well differentiated HCC. Based on this finding, super-selective CT-guided angiography and chemoembolization were subsequently performed without complications and the patient remained free of tumor relapse for the 8 months of surveillance. We conclude that EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy and cytologic examination represent a reliable alternative for tissue sampling in HCC, particularly in selected high-risk patients such as those with poor liver function and coagulation disorders; this should be assessed in prospective clinical trials.

Aged↗

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in focal pancreatic lesions: a prospective intraindividual comparison of two needle assemblies.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The results of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) in focal pancreatic lesions are less impressive than those in the mediastinum. The aim of this prospectively randomized study was to compare two commercially available needle assemblies with regard to handling and cytopathological yield. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients (19 men, 11 women; mean age 61) with focal pancreatic lesions underwent EUS-FNA with each of the two needles (GIP, Wilson-Cook). The sequence was randomized for the examiner and blinded for the cytologist. Three patients had to be excluded because of the impossibility of sample assignment or patient follow-up. EUS-FNA was performed using the standard technique with linear echo endoscopes. RESULTS: None of the characteristics evaluated by the examiner differed significantly between either of the needles. Inadequate results were obtained in 11% using the GIP needle, but in none with the Wilson-Cook needle. GIP needle cytology revealed malignancy in 11 patients (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 55%, 100%, and 65%, respectively, including inadequate results). The aspirates obtained with the Wilson-Cook needle identified malignancy in 16 patients (sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 85%, 100%, and 89%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant differences were detected in the handling of either of the two needle assemblies. No complications were reported using the GIP needles. However, in four procedures breakages of the outer Teflon sheath of the Wilson-Cook needle occurred, and in another four cases re-insertion of the stylet was impossible. Nevertheless, cytopathologic results were significantly better with the Wilson-Cook needle.

Adult↗

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology for diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Previous studies have shown that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) sensitively detects morphologic abnormalities due to chronic pancreatitis. However, morphologic EUS findings have limited specificity, particularly at the early stages of chronic pancreatitis. Our aims were to study pancreatic morphology and inflammation in patients with chronic pancreatitis, using EUS and fine-needle aspiration cytology (EUS-FNA), and to compare the results with those of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and pancreatic function tests. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 37 patients (48 +/- 13 years) with clinical symptoms and laboratory test findings suggestive of chronic pancreatitis were prospectively studied. Patients with malignancy or major concomitant disorders were excluded. Clinical evaluation included indirect pancreatic function tests. Morphologic criteria for chronic pancreatitis included echo-intense septae/echo-reduced foci (i. e. pseudolobularity), ductal irregularities, and calcifications. EUS-FNA was performed in 27/37 patients, by means of the Hitachi FG34-UX echo endoscope and a 22-gauge needle, and tissue specimens were submitted for standard cytological evaluation. ERCP served as reference in all patients, using the Cambridge classification. RESULTS: 31 patients had chronic pancreatitis while six had normal findings at ERCP. EUS showed morphologic abnormalities of the pancreas in 33 patients. Morphologic abnormalities alone reached a sensitivity of 97 % for chronic pancreatitis with a specificity of only 60 %, while the positive predictive value (PPV) was 94 %, and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 75 %. EUS-FNA increased the negative predictive value to 100 % and the specificity to 67 %. On average, 2.3 needle passes were necessary to obtain sufficient amounts of tissue. The correlation of EUS findings with pancreatic function tests was poor. EUS results were in agreement with regard to the severity of chronic pancreatitis in 5/8 patients with grade I disease, in 11/13 patients with grade II, and in 10/10 patients with grade III disease. Minor complications occurred in two patients (7 %). CONCLUSIONS: EUS is as sensitive and effective as ERCP in the detection of chronic pancreatitis, particularly when only mild disease is present. However, EUS findings have limited specificity, particularly in patients with mild disease. EUS-FNA with cytology is safe and improves the negative predictive value. Negative EUS-FNA findings rule out chronic pancreatitis, but cytological investigation alone does not improve the specificity of EUS findings, suggesting that further improvements in tissue sampling and analysis are necessary to support routine use of FNA in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Adult↗

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle cytodiagnosis of mediastinal metastases from renal cell cancer.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has become the investigation of choice for the evaluation of the mediastinum. Lung and mediastinum are amongst the common sites of metastases from renal cell cancer (RCC). We diagnosed metastatic RCC in mediastinal lymph nodes by EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. METHODS: A total of 111 patients with mediastinal lymph nodes had undergone EUS-FNA using a linear array echo endoscope and a 170 cm, 22 G GIP needle consecutively. Smears were prepared, air-dried, and sent to an independent cytologist. RESULTS: Seven patients (all males, mean age 64.8 years, range 45-72) were diagnosed cytologically to have metastatic RCC. Three patients had been diagnosed with RCC in the past (2, 7, and 17 years ago) while in the others, this was primarily diagnosed on the basis of EUS-FNA. The EUS features of these mediastinal RCC metastases include irregular lesions with inhomogenous echotexture, measuring 2.8 cm (median; range 1.0-4.5) located predominantly in the posterior mediastinum. CONCLUSION: EUS-FNA diagnosis of metastatic RCC is safe and feasible. It is especially useful in the evaluation of the mediastinum for suspected metastases. Cytology examination results in combination with clinical features could suggest the site of origin of the primary, assisting in further management.

Aged↗

EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration cytodiagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Improved methods of tissue diagnosis for obstruction at the hilum of the liver (porta hepatis) have contributed substantially to the preoperative diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma. Endoscopic brushing during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with sensitivity of 20% to 100%, is the preferred technique for obtaining accurate pathologic results. Extensive hepatic resection with curative intent as well as modern approaches to palliative treatment are based on definitive diagnosis. This is a study involving endosonography-guided, fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for cytodiagnosis of potentially operable hilar cholangiocarcinoma when brush cytology was negative or unavailable. METHODS: Ten consecutive patients (7 men, 3 women; age 47 to 78 years, median 59 years) with bile duct strictures at the hepatic hilum, diagnosed by CT and/or ERCP, underwent EUS-FNA using linear echoendoscopes and 22-gauge needles. RESULTS: Adequate material was obtained in nine patients. Cytology revealed cholangiocarcinoma in seven and hepatocellular carcinoma in one. One benign inflammatory lesion identified on cytology proved to be a false-negative finding by frozen section. Metastatic locoregional hilar lymph nodes were detected in two patients, and in one patient the celiac and para-aortic lymph nodes were aspirated to obtain tissue proof of distant metastasis. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: When standard methods of tissue diagnosis are inconclusive, EUS-guided FNA may have a potential role in the diagnosis of primary cholangiocarcinoma of the hepatic hilum. As a new, minimally invasive approach, it proved to be technically feasible without significant risks.

Aged↗

Mediastinal lymphadenopathy in patients with or without previous malignancy: EUS-FNA-based differential cytodiagnosis in 153 patients.

OBJECTIVE: Mediastinal lymphadenopathy (ML) is a cause for concern, especially in patients with previous malignancy. The investigation of choice is thoracic CT with a variable sensitivity and specificity requiring tissue diagnosis. We used endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for cytodiagnosis of ML in patients with and without previous malignancy. The cause, distribution of lesions, and incidence of second cancers were investigated. METHODS: Linear echoendoscopes and 22-gauge needles for cytology were used for EUS-FNA. A cytological diagnosis of malignancy was accepted, and histology or consistent follow-up of at least 9 months confirmed benign results. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three patients underwent EUS-FNA between November 1997 and November 1999 (mean age, 60 yr; range, 13-82 yr; 105 men). Cytology was adequate in 150 patients. Final diagnosis was malignancy in 84 and benign in 66 patients (sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy: 92%, 100%, 95%, respectively). In 101 patients without previous cancer cytology identified 48 malignant (lung, 41; extrathoracic, 7) and 51 benign lesions (inflammation, 35; various, 9; sarcoidosis, 7) (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy: 88%, 100%, 94%). Fifty-two patients had prior malignancy, mostly in extrathoracic sites. Cytology revealed recurrences in 21 patients, second cancer in 9 and benign lesions in 21 patients (inflammatory, 11; sarcoidosis, 8; tuberculosis, 1; abscess, 1) (sensitivity, specificity, accuracy: 97%, 100%, 98%). CONCLUSIONS: In patients without previous cancer malignant ML originates from the lung >80%. In those with previous malignancy recurrence of extrathoracic sites is the major cause. Benign lesions and treatable second cancers occur in a significant frequency, emphasizing the need for tissue diagnosis. EUS-FNA is a safe and minimally invasive alternative for cytodiagnosis in the mediastinum.

Adolescent↗

Endosonography-guided, fine-needle aspiration cytology extending the indication for organ-preserving pancreatic surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Organ preserving pancreatic resections are considered whenever malignant disease is ruled out. In tumors of low malignant potential such as cystadenomas and neuroendocrine tumors, the diagnosis is rarely established preoperatively. We studied the feasibility of cytodiagnosis using endosonography-guided fine-needle aspiration in determining the operative approach. METHODS: A total of 78 patients (16 female, 62 male; mean age 61.4 yr, range 31-82 yr) with focal pancreatic lesions underwent EUS-FNA. Final diagnosis was confirmed by histology, cytology, or clinical follow up (>9 months). Patients with tumors of low malignant potential were managed by customized pancreatic resections. RESULTS: Final diagnosis was malignant tumors in 36 patients, tumors of low malignant potential in nine (six, neuroendocrine, two, borderline mucinous cystadenomas, one, borderline adenocarcinoma), and benign in 31 (two inadequate smears). No complications occurred. With six false-negative and no false-positive results, the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 92%, 84%, 100%, 100%, and 86%, respectively. Five patients with low malignant tumors underwent duodenum-preserving pancreatic head resection, three mid segment resection, and one pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA is useful in the preoperative cytodiagnosis of pancreatic tumors of low malignant potential. It extends the indication for organ-preserving pancreatic resections and avoids the unnecessary sacrifice of adjacent organs.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Diagnosing sarcoidosis using endosonography-guided fine-needle aspiration.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The ability to diagnose sarcoidosis cytologically has been reported previously, but the method is rarely used. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is a sensitive technique for detecting mediastinal lymph nodes, which in addition provides an opportunity to carry out guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology. We report herein on the use of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients with suspected sarcoidosis were investigated using EUS-FNA with a linear echoendoscope and a 22-gauge Hancke-Vilman needle. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: In all 19 patients, EUS revealed enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes (mean size, 2.4 cm), located subcarinally (n = 15), in the aortopulmonary window (n = 12), or in the lower posterior mediastinum (n = 5). The nodes had an isoechoic or hypoechoic appearance, with atypical vessels in five cases. The amount of aspirate obtained using EUS-FNA was adequate in all patients, and contained blood in excess of normal in some, indicating a high degree of vascularity. Cytology demonstrated epithelioid cell granuloma formation, suggesting sarcoidosis. Mycobacterial cultures were negative in all of the patients except one, in whom the final diagnosis was tuberculosis. The specificity and sensitivity of EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis were 94% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: EUS of mediastinal lymph nodes in sarcoidosis reveals certain characteristic features. However, it is not capable of differentiating the lesions from tuberculosis or malignancy. EUS-FNA is a safe and sensitive method of aspirating material for cytology and mycobacterial cultures. We believe it will provide a useful alternative in the diagnosis of sarcoidosis.

Adult↗

[Automated quantitative image cytometry of bronchial washings in suspected lung cancer: comparison with cytology, histology and clinical diagnosis].

INTRODUCTION: Automated image cytometry represents a new method for the quantitative analysis of nuclear structure and DNA-content of exfoliative airway epithelial cells. In the present investigation, we examined the correlation between automated cytometry, conventional cytology and histopathology with the final diagnosis as the "gold standard". METHODS: In 142 patients (100 males and 42 females) with suspected lung cancer and 50 controls (COPD, asthma), bronchial washings (5-10 ml) were obtained during bronchoscopy before taking biopsies for cytological and/or histological examinations. The washings were collected in 20 ml Saccomanno's fixative and centrifuged (500 g, 15 min). The cell pellet was resuspended in Saccomanno's solution. Two specimens were stained according to Papanicolaou and another two using the Feulgen reaction with thionine. Image cytometry was performed by means of a special, trainable classifier for exfoliative cells of the respiratory tract, using the Cyto-Sacant (Oncometrics, Vancouver). RESULTS: In the patients with suspected lung cancer we found numerous abnormal nuclei in 97 samples, 36 samples contained normal cells only, and 9 samples were insufficient. In our control group there was no sample with abnormal nuclei, and all washings were evaluable. Compared to the final diagnosis of lung cancer, we found a sensitivity of 90% (92/102) and a specificity of 84% (26/31). For histology sensitivity was 91% (73/80) and specificity 100%, while we found a sensitivity of 92% (92/100) and specificity of 100% for cytology. For automated cytometry the positive predicted value was 95%, the negative predicted value 71%. CONCLUSIONS: In the investigation of patients with suspected lung cancer, automated image cytometry of bronchial washings is a sensitive and reliable method for the detection of malignant changes in the tracheobronchial mucosa. The automated procedure seems well suited not only for analysing bronchial washings, but also for a screening procedure.

Adult↗

[Basic principles of LIFE--autofluorescence bronchoscopy. Results of 194 examinations in comparison with standard procedures for early detection of bronchial carcinoma--overview].

BACKGROUND: Conventional bronchoscopy in the identification of preneoplasias and carcinoma in situ (CIS) has been inadequate to date. Tissue autofluorescence was found to differentiate normal mucosa from dysplastic or carcinomatous bronchial mucosa. This principle resulted in the development of the LIFE System (Light Imaging Fluorescence Endoscope, Xillix Techn., Vancouver, BC), now in routine use worldwide at 35 centres. In a prospective multicentric study in North America the relative sensitivity for diagnosing intraepithelial neoplasias of combined white light (WLB) and LIFE bronchoscopy in 173 at-risk patients was 6.3 as compared to WLB alone. A similar European multicentric study will be completed by spring of 1998. PATIENTS AND RESULTS: We report on our experience with the routine use of the LIFE System over 23 months. 194 examinations (165 patients) were performed. Moderate to severe dysplasias and in situ carcinomas were diagnosed with a relative sensitivity of 2.7 by the combined WLB-LIFE examination as compared to WLB alone. CONCLUSION: Autofluorescence bronchoscopy as a routine investigation without need of photosensitizers in patients with a high risk for lung cancer can lead to a substantial increase in the detection rate of CIS and moderate to severe dysplasias compared to white light bronchoscopy alone.

Adult↗

3D-ultrasound in imaging, diagnosis and follow-up of an atypical hydatid cyst.

Abdominal ultrasonography is the procedure of choice to diagnose hydatid cysts caused by Echinococcus granulosus. Recently three-dimensional ultrasonography has become available for clinical application. We report a case of an atypical seronegative hydatid disease, in which the additional use of 3D-sonography improved the sonographic diagnosis, which was confirmed by a fine needle biopsie complicated by an anaphylactic reaction. In addition the potential advantage of 3D-ultrasonography in diagnosis and follow-up hydatid disease will be discussed, especially in the context of new alternative therapeutic options like chemotherapy with benzimidazoles or the percutaneous drainage by the PAIR procedure (puncture-aspiration-injection-re-aspiration).

Adult↗

[Cytochemical studies for determining the histogenesis of anaplastic and poorly differentiated lung tumors].

Proper histogenetic classification of pulmonary tumours is most important in choosing the best possible treatment. Since this is very difficult especially in case of anaplastic or poorly differentiated tumours, additional pointers on histogenesis, supplied by complementary histochemical examinations, are very helpful. 105 bronchial carcinomas were examined cytochemically by means of air-dried smear preparations (imprint, brush an puncture smears). Cytochemical examinations were performed in respect of alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, PAS reaction and unspecific esterase. It was found that the dedifferentiated squamous cell carcinomas were alkaline phosphatase-negative and weakly positive to acid phosphatase and unspecific esterase, whereas dedifferentiated adenocarcinomas were strongly positive to acid phosphatase and unspecific esterase. The PAS reaction was always slightly to moderately positive. Small-cell bronchial carcinomas were negative in all cytochemical examinations.

Adenocarcinoma↗