Liquid-based cytology versus conventional cytology for evaluation of cervical Pap smears: Experience from the first 1000 split samples

Context and Aim: Screening programs using conventional cytology conventional Pap smear (CPS) have successfully reduced cervical cancer, but newer tests like liquid-based cytology (LBC) and human papillomavirus testing might enhance screening. The main aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of LBC versus CPS using "split samples." Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study comprising of 1000 consecutive cervical "split samples" over a period of 1 year. Split sample was obtained using cervex-brush. CPS was prepared from the brush and the brush head was suspended in the LBC vial and processed by SurePath™ LBC. Results: There were 4.3% unsatisfactory (U/S) cases in CPS and 1.7% in LBC; the main cause is insufficient cells, and excess of blood in CPS. About 25/100 (2.5%) split samples had epithelial abnormalities both in CPS and LBC (1.2%-atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance; 0.4%-low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; 0.2%-high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion; 0.5%-squamous cell carcinoma; 0.1%-atypical glandular cells favouring neoplasia; 0.2%-adenocarcinoma). Inflammatory organisms were almost equally identified in both techniques but were better seen in LBC samples. Conclusions: LBC technique leads to significant reduction of U/S rate. LBC samples offered better clarity, uniform spread of smears, less time for screening and better handling of hemorrhagic and inflammatory samples. LBC had equivalent sensitivity and specificity to CPS

Rare Coexistence of Acute Monoblastic Leukemia with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Acute monoblastic leukemia (AMoL) is a rare hematopoietic neoplasm, and simultaneous occurrence of acute monoblastic leukemia with chronic lymphocytic leukemia is very rare and only a few cases have been reported in the literature. We here report a rare case of dual hematological malignancy in an 85-year-old male. The peripheral blood and bone marrow examination revealed dual population of atypical cells, comprising large cells with opened-up chromatin having monocytic appearance and small mature-appearing lymphocytes. Flowcytometric immunophenotyping confirmed the monocytic lineage of cells, whereas small lymphocytes showed the immunophenotype consistent with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The final diagnosis was made as acute monoblastic leukemia with associated CLL. This is a rare case scenario, and this highlights the importance of careful morphological examination and flowcytometric immunophenotyping in the exact characterization of hematopoietic malignancies