Cerebrospinal fluid from patients with hematopoietic neoplasms: The need for an integrated approach Journal Article


Authors: Buonocore, D. J.; McCash, S. I.; Roshal, M.; Mazzella, A. L.; Lin, O.
Article Title: Cerebrospinal fluid from patients with hematopoietic neoplasms: The need for an integrated approach
Abstract: Introduction Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluation plays an increasing role in the diagnosis and staging of hematopoietic neoplasms. The evaluation is based on the cytomorphologic evaluation (CE) of the specimen and flow cytometry study (FCS). The impact of the increased sensitivity of multicolor FCS and its correlation with the morphological analysis of CSF needs to be evaluated to better guide clinical management. Materials and methods CSF specimens sent for CE and FCS obtained over a 9-month period were retrospectively analyzed. Cases were considered completely discordant if one method detected an abnormal hematologic population and the corresponding method was negative and partially discordant if FCS detected an abnormal hematologic population and the CE was atypical or suspicious. Root cause analysis of these discrepancies was performed. Results A total of 78 of 361 cases (22%) had discordant results; 72 cases were from patients with hematopoietic neoplasms—22 cases were completely discordant and 50 were partially discordant. FCS had a sensitivity of 95.3% and a specificity of 98.1% for detecting abnormal hematopoietic populations. CE rendered a positive diagnosis in 17.6% of cases with a specificity of 100%. Conclusions Our series demonstrates evaluation of CSF involvement by hematopoietic malignancy with FCS is more sensitive than and equally specific as CE. Nonetheless, CE remains one of the mainstays in the evaluation of CSF specimens. Optimizing cytologic evaluation through process modifications including decreasing screening area and evaluation of multiple preparations increased the detection rate of malignant cells. As such, optimal CSF evaluation and integration FCS is critical in patient management. © 2017 American Society of Cytopathology
Keywords: flow cytometry; cytology; lymphoma; flow; csf
Journal Title: Journal of the American Society of Cytopathology
Volume: 6
Issue: 5
ISSN: 2213-2945
Publisher: American Society of Cytopathology  
Date Published: 2017-09-01
Start Page: 198
End Page: 204
Language: English
DOI: 10.1016/j.jasc.2017.06.004
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 4 October 2017 -- Source: Scopus
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MSK Authors
  1. Oscar Lin
    307 Lin
  2. Samuel Isaac McCash
    13 McCash
  3. Mikhail Roshal
    227 Roshal