title: Cytologic diagnosis of bile peritonitis.
abstract: Bile peritonitis (BP) is a rare but acute and serious condition that may be associated with high mortality. BP results from generalized or localized leakage of bile into the peritoneal cavity. At best, radiologic studies may be suggestive of BP. We observed a spectrum of cytologic findings in aspirated peritoneal fluids (PF) from 3 patients with BP. Occasional bile pigment-laden macrophages, extracellular lakes of green stringy material admixed with variable numbers of histiocytes, mesothelial cells, and acute and chronic inflammatory cells, were seen. Numerous candida were present in one case. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the cytologic features of BP. Cytology is a simple, rapid, and cost-effective means of examining PF, and can therefore play a significant role in establishing the diagnosis of BP. Early recognition of BP can result in rapid, therapeutic intervention that may prevent significant morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, East Carolina University School of Medicine, Greenville, NC 27858-4354, USA.
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Elsheikh
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Silverman
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Sturgis
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Geisinger
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000473:pathology; D001646:Bile; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D010538:Peritonitis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D011859:Radiography; D012888:Skull Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*