Faculty Bibliography

BACKGROUND: Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a relatively rare neoplasm, accounting for approximately 2.5% of all soft tissue tumors. Its histopathology has been well documented but to the authors' knowledge reports regarding its fine-needle aspiration (FNA) cytology rarely are encountered. In the current study the authors report the cytologic findings in FNA specimens from nine confirmed cases of HPC and attempt to correlate the cytologic features with the biologic outcomes. METHODS: FNA was performed with or without radiologic guidance. Corresponding sections of tissue were reviewed in conjunction with the cytologic preparations. RESULTS: Nine FNAs were performed in 5 patients (3 men and 2 women) with an age range of 38-77 years (mean, 56 years). Two lesions were primary soft tissue lesions arising in the lower extremities; seven were recurrent or metastatic lesions from bone (one lesion), kidney (one lesion), pelvic fossa (one lesion), lower extremities (two lesions), trunk (one lesion), and breast (one lesion). All aspirates were cellular and were comprised of single and tightly packed clusters of oval to spindle-shaped cells aggregated around branched capillaries. Basement membrane material was observed in 6 cases (67%). The nuclei were uniform and oval, with finely granular chromatin and inconspicuous nucleoli in all cases except one. No mitotic figures or areas of necrosis were identified. A correct diagnosis of HPC was made on one primary lesion and all recurrent or metastatic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: HPCs show a spindle cell pattern in cytologic preparations and must be distinguished from more common spindle cell lesions. The presence of branched capillaries and abundant basement membrane material supports a diagnosis of HPC. Immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy performed on FNA samples may be helpful in the differential diagnosis. FNA is a useful and accurate tool with which to confirm recurrent or metastatic HPC; however, prediction of the biologic behavior of HPC based on cytologic features is not feasible. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol)

For reasons unknown, metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma is a rare cause of pleural effusions and is even less common in pericardial effusions. A review of all pericardial effusions examined in the Cytology Service at Montefiore Medical Center over a 15-year (1980-1994) period was undertaken (N = 251). Four cases with metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma were identified among 39 malignant effusions. Two patients with metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma presented with cardiac tamponade, and the other two cases had progressive cardiac failure. The diagnostic cells on cytology evaluation were scant in all four cases but exhibited classical features of metastatic squamous carcinoma, such as cytoplasmic keratinization, intercellular bridges, and occasional "pearl" formation. Pericardial biopsies available in three patients, two with cardiac failure and one with cardiac tamponade, were negative. In all four cases the primary tumor was a bronchogenic carcinoma. Metastatic squamous-cell carcinoma is an uncommon cause of pericardial effusion and usually indicates the presence of a bronchogenic carcinoma with a rapidly fatal outcome. Cytologic examination of pericardial fluid is essential in the evaluation of such patients.

BACKGROUND: Stereotaxic fine-needle aspiration biopsy (SFNA) of mammographically detected nonpalpable lesions of the breast provides accurate diagnosis and may eliminate many unnecessary excisional biopsies of areas of microcalcification. METHODS: SFNA of microcalcification of indeterminate radiologic significance was performed on 125 patients (1991-1994), yielding 130 specimens (2 sites in 2 patients and bilateral aspirations in 3 patients). Stereotaxic localization was performed, and samples from within the area of microcalcification were obtained using 22-gauge needles. Smears stained with a Giemsa-type stain were prepared and studied by a cytopathologist during the procedure to determine the adequacy of each specimen. RESULTS: Of 130 specimens, 104 (80%) were cytologically benign, 13 (10%) were atypical, 6 (4.6%) were suspicious, and 7 (5.3%) were malignant. All malignant diagnoses were confirmed by subsequent operative biopsy. Follow-up was available in 74 of 104 benign cases (71%): surgical excisions (all benign) in 8 cases and follow-up mammograms at 6 months to 5.8 years in 66 cases (no radiologic change in 64 cases and 2 [1.9%] cases with new radiologic findings [SFNAs of the new radiographic abnormality revealed adenocarcinoma in both]). CONCLUSIONS: SFNA is a reliable and cost-effective method of evaluating indeterminate microcalcification; however, mammographic follow-up is indicated because of the possibility of subsequent and independent cancers

BACKGROUND: Metastases to the breast from extramammary primary tumors are uncommon. Malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms to secondarily involve the mammary parenchyma. METHODS: Seven cases of malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy are presented. RESULTS: The cytologic findings of malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast usually are straightforward on aspiration cytology. However, knowledge of a prior history of melanoma is crucial to make an accurate diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant melanoma metastatic to the breast can be diagnosed reliably by fine-needle aspiration cytology, thus avoiding radical and unnecessary surgery