Cytologic diagnosis of peritoneal fluids. Applicability to the laparoscopic diagnosis of endometriosis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the accuracy of cytologic examination of laparoscopically obtained peritoneal fluid in the diagnosis of endometriosis.


METHODS
This investigation analyzed 50 laparoscopic fluid specimens received over a three-year period. Retrospective cytologic findings were correlated with clinical history and laparoscopic diagnoses. Touch preparations were also collected from necropsies to develop cytologic criteria necessary to distinguish endometrial cells from mesothelial cells.


RESULTS
The presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages in peritoneal fluids was more specific but less sensitive than the presence of endometrial cells for the diagnosis of endometriosis.


CONCLUSIONS
In women undergoing laparoscopy to detect endometriosis, the identification of endometrial cells alone in peritoneal fluids may not be sufficient to render a definitive diagnosis of endometriosis. However, the presence of hemosiderin-laden macrophages in this population should alert the cytologist to that possibility.
Stowell
S B
SB
Department of Pathology, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse 13210, USA.
Wiley
C M
CM
Perez-Reyes
N
N
Powers
C N
CN
D000328:Adult; D001202:Ascitic Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D004715:Endometriosis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005260:Female; D006485:Hemosiderin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008264:Macrophages / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014591:Uterine Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*
D006485:Hemosiderin