Cytoplasmic vacuolization: an under-recognized cytomorphologic feature in endocrine tumors of the pancreas.
The diagnosis of pancreatic endocrine neoplasm (PEN) is often straightforward; however, cytomorphologic variants may impose a diagnostic challenge, particularly in small biopsies such as fine-needle aspiration (FNA). Here we describe prominent fine cytoplasmic vacuoles in three cases of PENs which were initially evaluated by endoscopic ultrasound-guided FNA. The clinicopathologic features and diagnostic pitfalls of this cytomorphologic variant were discussed. Awareness of this rare cytomorphologic feature with application of immunocytochemical studies is crucial for rendering an accurate diagnosis and avoiding diagnostic pitfalls.
Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
Gillian H
GH
Levy
Alexander
A
Finkelstein
Malini
M
Harigopal
David
D
Chhieng
Guoping
G
Cai
D000328:Adult; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000378:metabolism; D002864:Chromogranins / Q000378:metabolism; D003593:Cytoplasm / Q000473:pathology*; D061765:Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005909:Glioblastoma / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary; D018358:Neuroendocrine Tumors / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D010166:Palliative Care; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D016708:Synaptophysin / Q000378:metabolism; D014617:Vacuoles / Q000473:pathology*
D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002864:Chromogranins; C569014:SYP protein, human; D016708:Synaptophysin