An algorithmic approach to diagnostic cytopathology specimens
The key principles of optimal cytological evaluation include firstly, to make a morphological assessment and secondly, to collect adequate material for ancillary tests including immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis, if appropriate. “Rapid On Site Evaluation (ROSE)” is recommended by the RCPath Tissue pathways for Diagnostic Cytopathology given the benefits it offers which include the ability to control and manage the specimen to ensure adequate and high quality and triaging for ancillary tests. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - September 8, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Maria Buttice, Josephine Wright, Ashish Chandra Tags: Mini-symposium: Cytopathology Source Type: research
Investigating drugs of abuse at autopsy
Post-mortem toxicology is an important diagnostic part of the investigative process, not least when drugs of abuse are suspected, some of which require special attention. This updated article summarizes key information regarding current common drugs of abuse, including amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, ketamine, pregabalin as well as new psychoactive substances (NPS). There have also been recent trends in substances used in suicide (e.g. gases and chemicals). The importance of sufficient and appropriate information (such as case circumstances and drug history) in addition to scene evidence and other conside...
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - September 4, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Simon Elliott Tags: Mini-Symposium: Autopsy pathology Source Type: research
The body recovered from water: considerations for an approach to the non-suspicious post-mortem examination
Bodies from the water are not commonly encountered in everyday practice, either by the forensic pathologist or by the coroner's pathologist. The body recovered from water can pose particular difficulty to the unsuspecting pathologist, especially if there is evidence of decomposition or if the body is injured. However, it is important to have an understanding for the necessity of the post-mortem examination and to identify those findings which may support drowning or immersion, in the absence of other relevant findings. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - September 2, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Brett E. Lockyer Tags: Mini-symposium: Autopsy pathology Source Type: research
Editorial board
(Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - September 1, 2021 Category: Pathology Source Type: research
Whole-slide imaging in cytopathology: state of the art and future directions
Whole slide imaging (WSI) has been increasingly adopted for digital evaluation of surgical pathology specimens. Unlike histological slides, cytological preparations frequently display a heterogeneous distribution of cells throughout slides in different focal planes sometimes admixed with obscuring material, therefore requiring multiple scanning planes which significantly lengthens image acquisition and evaluation times. Although examination of digital images can be more advantageous than conventional glass slides, the challenges of focusing, scanning and screening cytological specimens and the associated increase in scan t...
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - August 28, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Stefano Marletta, Darren Treanor, Albino Eccher, Liron Pantanowitz Tags: Mini-symposium: Cytopathology Source Type: research
Hybrid salivary gland tumour: interpreting conflicting morphologies in final needle aspiration cytology
We present a case of a hybrid salivary gland tumour with both elements detectable on fine needle aspiration cytology and consider the relevant differential diagnoses when faced with multiple contrasting morphologies on salivary gland sampling. We also discuss the proposed pathogenesis, relevant nomenclature and key clinical considerations for this rare neoplasm. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - August 28, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Solange De Noon, Gayani Pitiyage Tags: Short case Source Type: research
The medicolegal autopsy: when to refer to a forensic pathologist
This article reviews the medicolegal investigation of sudden death and the actions of the police at the scene, and features in the history, external examination and internal examination that ‘non-forensic’ pathologists should be attune to in their everyday practice. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - August 26, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Russell J. Delaney, Dean Jones Tags: Mini-symposium: Autopsy pathology Source Type: research
An approach to the assessment of lymphoid infiltrates in the bone marrow trephine biopsy
Lymphoid infiltrates, benign and malignant, are encountered routinely in bone marrow trephine biopsies and require a systematic approach to reach a final diagnosis. Like any other histopathological finding, evaluation of lymphoid infiltrates requires interpretation in light of the clinical context to direct investigations appropriately and ensure a timely and accurate diagnosis. Work-up should be undertaken within a specialist integrated haematological malignancy diagnostic service (SIHMDS) to ensure appropriate investigations are available and used where required. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - August 10, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Hasan Rizvi, Valentina Fabiola Ilenia Sangiorgio, Maria Calaminici Tags: Mini-symposium: Bone marrow pathology Source Type: research
Editorial board
(Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - August 1, 2021 Category: Pathology Source Type: research
Use of post-mortem computed tomography during the COVID-19 pandemic
Post mortem computed tomography (PMCT) is widely used in England and Wales to supplement or replace traditional invasive Coroner ’s autopsy. Using PMCT and coronary angiography, the cause of death can be determined without invasive examination in approximately 70% of cases, assuming a typical Coroner’s autopsy case mix. Coroner’s autopsy services continued during the COVID-19 pandemic and have identified deaths resultin g from COVID-19 undiagnosed in life. In some areas of England, PMCT was used to replace traditional autopsy due to concerns over infection risk to mortuary staff associated with invasive autopsy. (Sou...
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - July 28, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Ian SD. Roberts, Zoe C. Traill Source Type: research
COVID-19 post-mortem findings: how the departed can teach us
We present an asthmatic 39 year old female frontline healthcare worker in contact with COVID-19 patients, who suffered from respiratory problems for a few days, after which she was found dead by her spouse. Post-mortem (PM) examination showed lung consolidation and histological evidence of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD), in form of hyaline membrane disease, as well as atypical cells, thrombi and fibrin plugs inside pulmonary capillaries. Swab sample testing for SARS-CoV-2 confirmed the infection status. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - July 28, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Mohammed Nimir, Atisha Tank, David Snead Source Type: research
Normal bone marrow, its structure and function
Bone marrow examination forms an important part of the investigative repertoire of almost all haematological malignancies. The ease of performing a bone marrow biopsy, especially when compared to difficult to reach nodal sites or tricky organs like the spleen, makes bone marrow sampling an investigation of choice. Furthermore, this provides adequate and suitable material to perform the entire range of investigations, from rapid assessment using Giemsa stain to Next Generation Sequencing. Bone marrow examination has been a joint responsibility of haematologist and histopathologist with a wide variation in practise, not only...
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - July 8, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Vishakha Sovani Tags: Mini-symposium: Bone marrow pathology Source Type: research
Myeloproliferative neoplasms
The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are a group of clonal myeloid proliferations characterised by varying combinations of increased circulating red cells, granulocytes and platelets caused by excess proliferation of haemopoietic precursors in bone marrow with retained cellular maturation. These disorders typically pursue an indolent course requiring management of the consequences of the increased circulating elements (predominantly effects of thrombosis of haemorrhage in different body organs). (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - July 8, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Bridget S. Wilkins Tags: Mini-symposium: Bone marrow pathology Source Type: research
Large B-cell lymphoma with IRF4 rearrangement
(LBCL-IRF4) is a new provisional entity in the WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic Neoplasms (revised 4th edition, 2017). It shows diffuse or follicular infiltrates of medium to large neoplastic B cells with an aberrant germinal centre phenotype with IRF4 positivity on immunohistochemistry and IRF4 gene rearrangements found on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Here, we report a case of LBCL-IRF4 in a 30 year old female with asymmetrical tonsils. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - July 8, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Natasha Cutmore, Hebah Ali Tags: Short case Source Type: research
Diagnostic approach to myelodysplastic syndromes and related neoplasms
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are clonal disorders of the bone marrow characterized by ineffective haematopoiesis and an intrinsic predisposition to evolve into acute myeloid leukaemia. Impaired haematopoiesis manifests clinically with worsening cytopenia(s) responsible of patients’ symptoms and morphologically with myelodysplasia and with the progressive accumulation of immature myeloid cells and blasts. Therefore, the diagnosis of MDS is always an integrated process which requires the combination of clinical and morphologic data. (Source: Diagnostic Histopathology)
Source: Diagnostic Histopathology - July 1, 2021 Category: Pathology Authors: Valentina Fabiola Ilenia Sangiorgio, Hasan Rizvi, Maria Calaminici Tags: Mini-symposium: Bone marrow pathology Source Type: research
