Role of liquid-based cytology and cell block study of pleural fluid in the evaluation of cases of malignant Pleural effusion with special reference to immunohistochemistry

• Published in: International Journal of Medical Research & Review Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 185 - 192
• Main Authors: Saha, Dr. Rama, Sardar, Dr. Samaresh, Das, Dr. Smritiparna
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 31.05.2021
• ISSN: 2321-127X; 2320-8686
• DOI: 10.17511/ijmrr.2021.i03.09

Introduction: Lung cancer is the most common primary tumor associated with malignant pleuraleffusion (MPE). In this study, we aim to use cell remnants for cell block preparation after performingliquid-based cytology (LBC) of effusion fluid. Immunohistochemistry was helpful to evaluate thosecases having diagnostic dilemmas in LBC and cell block. Method: It was a cross-sectional,prospective, single institution-based study, conducted in the department of Pathology incollaboration with the Department of Respiratory Medicine IPGMER & SSKM Hospital, from January2018 to June 2019 in the institution. Result: Most of the study population were in between the agegroup of 51 to 60 years with male predominance and with fever and cough being the predominantsymptoms. Liquid-based cytology was positive for malignancy in 58% of cases and suspicious ofmalignancy in 22% of cases of malignant pleural effusion and it had 95.35% sensitivity, 58.82%specificity in diagnosing malignant pleural effusion.LBC was done followed by cell block preparationsare studied further by Immunohistochemistry. Discussion: Morphological features were betteridentified by the cell block method when compared to LBC. Multiple sections can be obtained forspecial stain or IHC study which bridges the gap between cytology and histology.