Cytodiagnosis of hepatic amyloidosis by fine needle aspiration cytology: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Amyloid in fine needle aspirates tends to be overlooked due to its rarity. It may appear at virtually any site and can be identified by special stains.


METHODS
In a case of amyloidosis of the liver, where fine needle aspiration cytology was instrumental in making the primary diagnosis. Smears revealed normal hepatocytes and chronic inflammatory cells. Amorphous material (amyloid) was extensively present between compressed hepatocytic clusters. It stained pale green in Papanicolaou-stained preparations and reddish purple with Giemsa stain. This material was initially thought to be hyalinized granulomas. However, it was later confirmed to be amyloid by using Congo Red stain.


CONCLUSIONS
Whenever amorphous material is present in smears, a high index of suspicion for amyloid needs to be maintained.
Gangane
Nitin
N
Department of Pathology, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha Maharashtra, India. nitingangane@rediffmail.com
Anshu
Shivkumar
Vitaladevuni B
VB
Sharta
Satish
S
D000682:Amyloid / Q000032:analysis; D000686:Amyloidosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003224:Congo Red; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D022781:Hepatocytes / Q000473:pathology; D006529:Hepatomegaly / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007565:Jaundice / Q000209:etiology; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged
D000682:Amyloid; D004396:Coloring Agents; D003224:Congo Red