2022 Volume 61 Issue 2 Pages 93-97
Objective : To examine the diagnostic significance of round cells with a tendency toward nuclear eccentricity in serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytologic examinations (SPACE).
Study Design : A total of 12 cases of high-grade pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPanIN) were examined. Microscopic examinations of SPACE specimens were performed to examine the incidence, number, and architectural patterns of round cells showing a tendency toward nuclear eccentricity. Then, the nuclear irregularity of the round cells, such as increase in and uneven distribution of chromatin, variety of chromatin patterns, and nucleoli were observed. The same examinations were conducted on SPACE specimens obtained from 13 cases of chronic pancreatitis (CP) as controls.
Results : Round cells showing a tendency toward nuclear eccentricity were found in 10 out of 12 cases (83%) of HGPanIN, and 4 out of 13 cases (31%) of CP. In HGPanIN, the round cells appeared in moderate to high numbers, and the cells showed nuclear irregularities and chromatin abnormalities. In CP, on the other hand, fewer round cells were observed, and none of the cases showed uneven chromatin distribution, and a variety of chromatin patterns were observed.
Conclusion : The uneven distribution and variety of chromatin distribution patterns in the round cells with a tendency toward nuclear eccentricity may help in diagnosing malignancy.
