Microglandular hyperplasia of the uterine cervix. Cytologic diagnosis in cervical smears.
OBJECTIVE
To identify cytomorphologic features specific to microglandular hyperplasia (MGH) in cervical cytologic smears.


METHODS
Twenty-four cervical smears from 24 patients obtained before the histologic diagnosis of MGH made on colposcopically directed biopsies during a period of two years (1995-1997) were evaluated.


RESULTS
Of cases with MGH, 13/24 (54%) showed the presence of bidimensional or tridimensional cellular clusters made up of cubic or cylindrical glandular cells with vacuolated cytoplasm; cells with dense cytoplasm, basaloid in appearance, corresponding to immature squamous metaplasia; and subcylindrical reserve cells with small, round nuclei and scant cytoplasm. Clusters showed microlumina or fenestrated spaces, preserved polarity and absence of nuclear peripheral dispersion. In the control group these cellular clusters were found in 6/100 (6%). Statistical analysis (chi 2) showed a strong, highly significant association (P < 0.001) of the cytologic parameters selected and the histologic diagnosis of MGH.


CONCLUSIONS
Until now, no specific cytologic parameters were described for MGH. This study underscored the value of cytomorphologic parameters described for typical cellular clusters showing microlumina or fenestrated spaces with shared party walls and an admixture of glandular cells, and immature squamous metaplastic and subcylindrical reserve cells in the cytologic diagnosis of MGH.
Alvarez-Santín
C
C
Department of Pathology, Facultad de Medicina, Universitad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay.
Sica
A
A
Rodríguez
M
M
Feijó
A
A
Garrido
G
G
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002278:Carcinoma in Situ / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005189:False Positive Reactions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008679:Metaplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D002577:Uterine Cervical Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D014626:Vaginal Smears