title: Accuracy of cytology in distinguishing adrenocortical tumors from pheochromocytoma in companion animals.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The distinction between adrenocortical tumors and pheochromocytoma can be challenging using clinical findings, diagnostic imaging and laboratory tests. Cytology might be a simple, minimally invasive method to reach a correct diagnosis.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of cytology in differentiating cortical from medullary tumors of the adrenal glands in dogs and cats.
  
  
  METHODS
  Cytologic key features of adrenocortical tumors and pheochromocytoma were defined by one reference author. Cytologic specimens from primary adrenal tumors were submitted to 4 cytopathologists who were asked to classify the tumors based on the previously defined key features without knowledge of previous classification.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty specimens from histologically confirmed adrenal tumors (Group 1) and 4 specimens from adrenal tumors causing adrenal-dependent Cushing's syndrome (Group 2) were evaluated by the 4 cytopathologists. Accuracy in differentiating cortical from medullary origin ranged from 90% to 100%, with a Kappa coefficient of agreement between cytopathologists of 0.95.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The origin of an adrenal tumor can be easily determined by cytology alone in many cases. However, cytology was not reliable in distinguishing benign from malignant neoplasia. Additional studies are needed to assess possible risks and complications associated with fine-needle biopsy of adrenal tumors in dogs and cats.
authors.affiliation: Veterinary Animal Hospital "Città di Pavia", Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Bertazzolo
authors.forename: Martine
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Didier
authors.forename: Maria Elena
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Gelain
authors.forename: Silvia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Crippa
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Avallone
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roccabianca
authors.forename: Ugo
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Bonfanti
authors.forename: Luca
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Giori
authors.forename: Federico
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fracassi
mesh_terms: D000306:Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000310:Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D000313:Adrenal Medulla / Q000473:pathology*; D000308:Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / Q000662:veterinary; D000818:Animals; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle / Q000662:veterinary; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D002415:Cats; D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000662:veterinary; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000473:pathology; D004285:Dogs; D005260:Female; D006929:Hyperaldosteronism / Q000662:veterinary; D008297:Male; D057805:Pets; D010673:Pheochromocytoma / Q000145:classification / Q000473:pathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D012189:Retrospective Studies
keywords: Cats; Cushing disease; dogs; hyperadrenocorticism; hyperaldosteronism