Diagnostic value of cytologic examination of gastrointestinal tract tumors in dogs and cats: 83 cases (2001-2004).
OBJECTIVE
To determine results of cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates and impression smears of gastrointestinal tract tumors in dogs and cats.


METHODS
Retrospective case series.


METHODS
38 dogs and 44 cats with histologically confirmed gastrointestinal tract tumors.


METHODS
Results of cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates (n = 67) or impression smears (31) were compared with the histologic diagnosis, and extent of agreement was classified as complete, partial, none, or undetermined.


RESULTS
For 48 of the 67 (72%) fine-needle aspirates, there was complete or partial agreement between the cytologic and histologic diagnoses. For 12 (18%) aspirates, the extent of agreement could not be determined because the cytologic specimen was considered unsatisfactory. For 29 of the 31 (94%) impression smears, there was complete agreement between the cytologic and histologic diagnoses, and for 2 (6%), there was partial agreement. None of the impression smears were considered unsatisfactory. Proportion of samples with complete agreement and proportion of samples with complete or partial agreement were significantly higher for impression smears than for fine-needle aspirates.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that there was moderate agreement between results of cytologic examination of fine-needle aspirates from dogs and cats with gastrointestinal tract neoplasia and the definitive histologic diagnosis. The agreement between results of cytologic examination of impression smears and the histologic diagnosis appeared to be higher.
Bonfanti
Ugo
U
Clinica Veterinaria Gran Sasso, via Donatello 26, 20131, Milano, Italy.
Bertazzolo
Walter
W
Bottero
Enrico
E
De Lorenzi
Davide
D
Marconato
Laura
L
Masserdotti
Carlo
C
Zatelli
Andrea
A
Zini
Eric
E
D000818:Animals; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D002415:Cats; D003584:Cytological Techniques / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology*; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies