Crystals of Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma in a Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy Cytology Smear

Autor: Margarita Kouzova, Vinod B. Shidham, Zainab Basir, Mamatha Chivukala, Zeenath Asma, Jinobya Machhi, Daniel J. Komorowski
Rok vydání: 2002
Předmět:
Zdroj: Acta Cytologica. 46:904-908
ISSN: 1938-2650
0001-5547
DOI: 10.1159/000327068
Popis: Background Alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPS) is a rare soft tissue tumor. It has characteristic histomorphology, with typical ultrastructural features demonstrating unique crystalloids. It occurs predominantly in adolescents and young adults, in whom the most common location is within the fascial planes of skeletal muscle of the lower extremity. Case We present fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) findings along with histopathologic features and ultrastructural appearance of a large gluteal mass in a 29-year-old female. FNAB cytology smears showed single and small groups of polyhedral malignant cells with granular cytoplasm, anisokaryosis and prominent nucleoli. The delicate cytoplasm had a tendency to rupture, with the presence of many bare nuclei. The characteristic crystals were observed in Papanicolaou-stained smears within the cytoplasm and in the background near the tumor cells. This consolidated the radiologic suspicion of ASPS and facilitated the application of relevant ancillary tests. Biopsy of the mass showed the characteristic histologic pattern. Electron microscopy confirmed the diagnosis with demonstration of membrane-bound, rhomboid crystalloids with a latticelike ultrastructure. Conclusion Detection of characteristic crystalloids in Papanicolaou-stained FNAB smears facilitated a proper evaluation and correct diagnosis of ASPS.
Databáze: OpenAIRE