Role of DNA flow cytometry and immunocytochemical analysis in diagnosis of malignant effusions

Application of international system for reporting serous fluid cytology (ISRSFC) in effusion samples-a prospective study in an oncology setting

INTRODUCTION

Serous fluid cytology is a cost-effective procedure that can help in the diagnosis, staging, and origin of the malignancy. Recently introduced International System for Reporting Serous Fluid Cytology (ISRSFC) standardizes the reporting of serous fluid cytology in the 5 categories: Category 1: Nondiagnostic (ND), Category 2: negative for malignancy (NFM), Category 3: atypia of undetermined significance (AUS), Category 4: suspicious for malignancy (SFM), and Category 5: malignant (MAL). Here, we present our experience adopting the ISRSFC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We implemented ISRSFC in December of 2019 at our institute and included a cohort of 555 prospective effusion samples. The pertinent surgical pathology, radiology, and clinical follow-up were also extracted to assess the risk of malignancy (ROM) and performance parameters.

RESULTS

The assessment of interobserver reliability indicated substantial concordance (κ = 0.717) between the 2 investigators for serous fluid categorization. A total of 555 effusion samples were classified as follows: ND, 14 (2.5%); NFM, 394 (71%); AUS, 12 (2.2%); SFM, 13 (2.3%); and MAL, 122 (22%). The ROM for the ND, NFM, AUS, SFM, and MAL categories was 57.1%, 9.9%, 66.7%, 66.7%, and 97.2%, respectively, in peritoneal effusions and 57.1%, 7.1%, 66.7%, 100%, 100%, respectively, in pleural effusions. The ROM for NFM and MAL was 0% and 100%, respectively, in pericardial effusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Application of the proposed ISRSFC can help in achieving uniformity and reproducibility in diagnoses and also help in risk stratification in cytology. ISRSFC was successfully adopted by our cytology laboratory and clinicians, with overall diagnostic performance similar to previous studies.

DNA image cytometry ploidy analysis technique improves the detection rate of pleural effusion cytology

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical diagnostic value of DNA image cytometry (DNA-ICM) ploidy analysis in malignant pleural effusion cancer screening, this study analyzed the effect of exfoliated cell smears (ECSs), cell blocks (CBs), and immunochemistry.

METHOD

A total of 830 cases of pleural effusion were considered for the DNA-ICM ploidy analysis. The ECSs were centrifuged, the CBs were formed, and the DNA-ICM ploidy analysis was carried out in the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion. Immunochemistry and biopsy was applied to differentiate between benign and malignant pleural effusion and to determine the source of the latter. The sensitivity and specificity differences between the three methods alone and in combination were compared.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of the DNA-ICM, ECS, and CB methods was 96.28%, 94.93%, and 95.95%, respectively, and the specificity of each method was 86.52%, 87.08%, and 86.14%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the combined diagnosis method were 99.32% and 75.09%, respectively. Among the 22 cases diagnosed as positive in the DNA-ICM ploidy analysis but negative in the ECS and CB analyses, four cases were diagnosed as positive by comprehensive clinical diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

The sensitivity and specificity of DNA-ICM ploidy analysis are high; the positive detection rate of pleural fluid cytology is effectively increased, and the missed detection rate of cell pathologies is effectively reduced. The combination of the three methods significantly improves the specificity and sensitivity of the diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion, and immunochemistry with CBs can be used to accurately analyze the primary tumor site.

Decoding the primary tumor origin in carcinomatous serous effusions by immunocytochemistry

INTRODUCTION

Malignant effusions are commonly encountered in day-to-day cytology practice. Determining the primary site of malignancy in carcinomatous effusions is a Herculean task. Cytology coupled with immunocytochemistry is often found helpful in this context.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was undertaken to evaluate diagnostic utility of immunocytochemistry (ICC) on the sections from cell blocks (CBs) to detect the primary site of origin in metastatic carcinomatous effusions. To determine the origin of the primary tumor, TTF1 (lung), PAX-8 (ovary), CDX2 (colo-rectal), GATA3 (breast), and CK19 (pancreaticobiliary) were employed depending on the clinical and radiological findings, and serum tumor markers.

RESULTS

A total of 13,459 serous effusion samples were received for cytological evaluation from January 2017 to December 2021 of which 2708 (20.1%) were carcinomatous effusions. Out of these, 1044 (38.5%), 1611 (59.5%), and 53 (2.0%) were from pleural, peritoneal and pericardial cavities, respectively. Of these, majority were adenocarcinoma. ICC was done in 309 (11.4%) cases. Ovary was the most common primary site in 179 (57.9%) cases, followed by lung (75, 24.3%), pancreaticobiliary (12, 3.9%), colo-rectal (8, 2.6%), breast (6, 1.9%), prostate (2, 0.6%) and kidney (1, 0.3). Lung was the commonest primary site in pleural (67/113, 59.3%) and pericardial (6/8, 75%) effusions. Ovary (168/188, 89.4%) was the most common primary responsible for carcinomatous effusions in the peritoneal cavity. However, in 17 (5.5%) cases, the exact primary site could not be established.

CONCLUSIONS

Judicious and methodical use of ICC on CB helps identify the primary site of the tumor in most carcinomatous effusions. This is of immense help to the treating clinician in directing appropriate therapy.

Application of multicolour flow cytometry in the detection of metastatic carcinoma in serous effusions: Special emphasis in atypical cytology

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated the role of simultaneous use of multiple antibodies in flow cytometry (FCM) to detect metastatic carcinomas in effusion samples.

METHODS

Cytological examination of 75 successive cases of effusion samples was performed. There were 48 peritoneal, 26 pleural and one pericardial fluid. Multi-coloured FCM examination was undertaken using a cocktail of CD45, CD14 and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), antibodies tagged with different fluorochromes. The percentage of EpCAM positivity was calculated in the CD45 and CD14 dual negative population by selective gating. The EpCAM value was correlated with the cytological findings, follow-up data and MOC-31 immunostaining.

RESULTS

There were 20 benign, 35 malignant and 20 atypical cases diagnosed on cytomorphology. The primary sources of carcinomas were mainly from the ovary, followed by lung, gall bladder, intestine and other areas. Out of 20 cytologically benign cases, there were two malignant cases on the final follow-up, and EpCAM on FCM picked up all 18 benign cases and one malignant case. Out of 35 cytologically detected malignant cases, EpCAM picked up 32 malignant cases. The EpCAM detected 15/18 malignant and both benign cases out of 20 cytological atypical cases. EpCAM antibody by FCM showed 87% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value and 74% negative predictive value.

CONCLUSION

This comprehensive study highlights the potential use of multi-coloured FCM along with cytological examination to diagnose metastatic carcinoma in effusion samples. Multi-coloured FCM is rapid and quantitative and is helpful in atypical cases.

CA125, CEA, CA19-9, and Heteroploid Cells in Ascites Fluid May Help Diagnose Peritoneal Carcinomatosis in Patients with Gastrointestinal and Ovarian Malignancies

Background

This study explored the value of ascites and serum CA125, CEA, and CA19-9 levels and ascites DNA ploidy analysis for the diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) in patients with gastrointestinal and ovarian malignancies, which can cause ascites and may disseminate peritoneally.

Methods

We measured ascites and serum levels of CA125, CEA, CA19-9 and performed an ascites DNA ploidy analysis in 58 patients with PC and 44 patients without PC.

Results

We found that a high expression level of CA125 in ascites fluid was associated with the occurrence of PC in patients with gastrointestinal and ovarian malignancies (P<0.001), and that high CEA and CA19- 9 levels in ascites fluid were associated with PC in patients with gastrointestinal malignancies (P=0.001, P=0.002). But, these tumor marker expression levels in ascites fluid were not significantly associated with the PC stage (P>0.05). We found similar serum levels of CA125, CEA, and CA19-9 between patients with gastrointestinal and ovarian malignancies and PC and those without PC (P>0.05). We found that the presence of three or more cells with heteroploid in the ascites samples was significantly associated with PC in gastrointestinal and ovarian malignancies (P<0.001). In addition, the best ROC curves and highest AUCs were achieved by combining the CA125 level and heteroploid cell analysis results (AUC for gastrointestinal and ovarian malignancies, 0.815, AUC for gastrointestinal malignancies, 0.873). Moreover, the combined ascites CA125 level and result of heteroploid cell analysis provided the best diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for PC (75.9% and 79.5%, respectively, in gastrointestinal and ovarian malignancies; 85.0% and 86.7%, respectively, in gastrointestinal malignancies).

Conclusion

Ascites levels of CA125, CEA, CA19-9, and heteroploid cells can be considered valuable markers for the diagnosis of PC in patients with gastrointestinal and ovarian cancer.

A Comparative Study of Liquid-Based Cytology and DNA Image Cytometry in the Diagnosis of Serous Effusion

Background:

Liquid-based cytology is one of the most useful methods to diagnose a patient with serous effusion, especially when malignancy is suspected. As an alternative to the use of liquid-based cytology only, the serous effusion can be further processed using the technique of DNA image cytometry, which may augment diagnostic utility. The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic yields of liquid-based cytology, DNA image cytometry, and both in combination, regardless of serous-effusion etiology.

Methods:

We conducted a descriptive study on patients with serous effusions from July 2016 to June 2018. All samples were submitted for liquid-based cytology and DNA image cytometry techniques. We compared the results of cytopathological studies to the final diagnoses.

Results:

For a total of 798 samples, final diagnoses included 412 (51.6%) malignancies, 280 (35.1.%) inflammatory diseases, and 106 (13.3%) transudative serous effusions. Liquid-based cytology had a more sensitive diagnostic yield than DNA image cytometry did (38.8% vs 30.7%; P < .05), but the combination of both had a higher yield (43.7%; P < .05) compared with that of liquid-based cytology alone. For the 412 malignant serous effusions, diagnostic yields of liquid-based cytology and DNA image cytometry were 73.8% and 59.5%, respectively. The difference in sensitivity was significant (P < .05). Combined liquid-based cytology + DNA image cytometry improved diagnostic yield to 83.3% (P < .05). However, both liquid-based cytology and DNA image cytometry had low diagnostic yields for inflammatory diseases and transudative serous effusions.

Conclusion:

In serous effusion, liquid-based cytology’s diagnostic performance is better than that of DNA image cytometry. Application of both techniques can significantly increase diagnostic yield.

DNA Ploidy Analysis and Cell Block Immunohistochemistry in the Diagnosis of Malignant Effusions

BACKGROUND

Effusion cytology is a major diagnostic tool in medicine and has both therapeutic and prognostic implications. One of the dilemmas encountered is the differentiation between atypical cells and reactive mesothelial cells. The use of ancillary tools can reduce this grey zone and help to achieve a definitive diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the role of flow cytometry (FCM) and cell block with immunohistochemistry (IHC), along with the clinicoradiological investigations, to achieve a final diagnosis in effusion cytology to the maximum extent possible.

METHOD

A prospective study was conducted. Effusion fluids, showing adequate amount and cellularity, were processed for conventional cytology, ploidy analysis by FCM, and cell block analysis, followed by IHC wherever required. Conventional cytological analysis was done by 2 independent pathologists, to look for interobserver variation, if any. The final result was achieved on the basis of integration of the results of the aforementioned studies, cytological details, clinicoradiological information, tissue biopsy findings, and follow-up.

RESULT

A total of 90 samples were analyzed. On cytological examination, observer I categorized 60% samples as benign and 18.8% (n = 17) as malignant versus 58% categorized as benign and 23.3% (n = 21) as malignant by observer II. Observer I reported 19 (21.1%) equivocal cases and observer II reported 16 (17.7%). When both pathologists were considered together, the number of equivocal cases increased to 20. Sensitivity and specificity of FCM were 96.67 and 100%, respectively, and 100% for the cell block. On combining all techniques, the equivocal cases were resolved and a total of 33 cases were reported as malignant. However, 3 cases could still not be categorized and were labeled inconclusive.

CONCLUSION

Conventional cytology combined with cell block IHC and FCM has the potential to minimize the requirement of tissue biopsy for confirmation. If the first sample is used judiciously for all the techniques, this may reduce the requirement for a second sample and possibly also the time required for a definite diagnosis and the initiation of therapy.

Are we ready to develop a tiered scheme for the effusion cytology? A comprehensive review and analysis of the literature

BACKGROUND

Cytology is widely utilized in the initial evaluation of fluid accumulation in the body cavities. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of cytology in distinguishing between benign and malignant (MAL) effusions.

METHODS

A comprehensive and systematic review of the literature was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of serous effusion cytology (SEC) against tissue biopsy/resection histology, imaging, or clinical follow-up as the reference test. Risk of publication bias and level of heterogeneity in the included studies was assessed. Meta-regression was performed to assess the effect of various variables on the accuracy of SEC.

RESULTS

Eighty studies met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis comprising of 34 941 samples; of which 52 (0.2%), 22 202 (72.7%), 194 (0.6%), 711 (2.3%), and 6507 (21.3%) could be reclassified as nondiagnostic (ND), negative for malignancy (NFM), atypical (atypia of uncertain significance-AUS), suspicious for malignancy (SFM), and malignant (MAL), respectively. On follow-up, the mean risk of malignancy for ND, NFM, AUS, SFM, MAL was 17.4%, 20.7%, 65.9%, 81.8%, and 98.9%, respectively. A total of 73 studies were included in estimating the diagnostic accuracy of SEC. The bivariate mixed-effect model estimated the SEC sensitivity, specificity, diagnostic odds ratio, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio as 73.1%, 99.9%, 7850.6%, 2112.2%, and 0.27%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Serous effusion cytology shows high specificity and moderate sensitivity in the evaluation of serous effusions. A tiered classification scheme can improve the consistency of terminology for reporting SEC results, thus improving communication between the pathologists and clinical team, and quality of patient care.

Use of cholesterol and soluble tumour markers CEA and syndecan-2 in pleural effusions in cases of inconclusive cytology

Aims

In order to improve diagnostics in pleural effusions, additional value of effusion cholesterol, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and syndecan-2 assays to cytology was studied.

Methods

Biomarkers were measured in effusion supernatants from 247 patients, of whom 126 had malignant pleural involvement, and their additional diagnostic efficacy to cytology was assessed.

Results

Syndecan-2 measurement, although gave detectable concentrations in all effusions with highest median value in mesotheliomas, was non-discriminative between different pathological conditions. CEA concentrations exceeding 5 ng/mL cut-off point indicated carcinomas, regardless of pleural involvement, which gave a sensitivity of 62% and specificity of 100% for carcinoma. Cholesterol concentration over 1.21 mmol/L cut-off value indicated neoplastic pleural involvement with 99% sensitivity and ‘merely’ 69% specificity, the latter mainly due to raised levels being associated also with benign inflammatory effusions. Combined CEA and cholesterol determinations increased the sensitivity for diagnosing carcinomatosis from 70% with cytology alone to 84% and established the correct diagnosis in 16 of 31 carcinomatosis cases with inconclusive cytology. Cholesterol measurement alone, with elevated level, in combination with absence of substantial number of inflammatory cells in effusion sediment proved to be a magnificent marker for neoplastic pleural involvement with 99% efficacy, and recognised all 36 such cases with inconclusive cytology.

Conclusions

Simultaneous measurement of CEA and cholesterol concentrations in effusion, or at least cholesterol alone, in combination with non-inflammatory fluid cytology, provides additional specific information about neoplastic pleural involvement, and can therefore be used as an adjunct to cytology, above all, in inconclusive cases.

Combination of DNA ploidy analysis and miR-21 or miR-24 in screening malignant pleural effusion

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed to assess the combination of DNA ploidy analysis (DPA) and the expression of microRNA-21 (miR-21) or microRNA-24 (miR-24) in the detection of malignant pleural effusion (MPE).

METHODS

In this prospective research, a total of 40 samples (20 benign and 20 malignant effusions), flexural effusion exfoliated cells and cell-free miR-21 and miR-24 were collected. DPA and exfoliative cytology examinations were conducted to diagnose flexural effusion exfoliated cells. Quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was carried out to measure the expressions of miR-21 and miR-24. Receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the curve were applied to evaluate the accuracy rate of different diagnostic approaches on MPE.

RESULTS

In the MPE group, DPA demonstrated a higher rate of accuracy in MPE diagnosis than exfoliative cytology. The expressions of miR-21 and miR-24 were significantly higher in MPE than in benign pleural effusion (P < 0.05). Furthermore, area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity were 0.942, 95% and 90% for the combination of miR-21 and DPA and 0.973, 100% and 80% for the union of miR-24 and DPA, respectively, representing a significant improvement in both accuracy and sensitivity. Therefore, the combination of DPA and miR-21 or miR-24 appears to be a better biomarker for discriminating MPE from benign pleural effusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of DPA and miR-21 or miR-24 may function as a promising diagnostic tool of MPE.

Registration number

ChiCTR-TRC-14004719.

Malignant Nonhematological Effusion Characterization by Flow Cytometry

With the exception of hematological malignancies, flow cytometry (FC) is infrequently applied as an ancillary tool in the diagnosis of malignant effusions in most institutions. However, FC may be effectively used to differentiate between epithelial cells, mesothelial cells and leukocytes using antibodies against both cell surface and intracellular proteins, offering the advantage of quantitative analysis. Additionally, FC may be applied to the quantitative detection of cancer-associated molecules, including stem cell markers, as well as assessment of critical cellular processes, such as proliferation and apoptosis. Some of the latter tests may have relevance for monitoring treatment response in the presence of metastatic disease, although this does not constitute routine practice to date. This review summarizes current knowledge regarding the application of FC to serous effusions in the diagnostic setting, as well as in research into cancer biology focusing on clinical specimens. The studies published to date suggest a role for this method in the clinical setting in the context of diagnosis, prediction and prognosis.

Diagnostic accuracy of epithelial membrane antigen for malignant effusions: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Body cavity fluid examination sometimes presents a diagnostic challenge in cytology practice. This meta-analysis was undertaken to comprehensively assess the diagnostic potential of epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) in malignant effusions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All relevant original articles about EMA in the diagnosis of malignant effusions published up to July 1, 2014 were retrieved. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio, and summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve were pooled to evaluate the diagnostic value of EMA for malignant effusions using the Meta-Disc 1.4 and STATA 12.0 statistical software.

RESULTS

Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria for the meta-analysis and the summary estimates for EMA in the diagnosis of malignant effusions were as follows: sensitivity 0.9 (95% CI 0.83-0.87), specificity 0.87 (95% CI 0.96-0.99), positive likelihood ratio 5.8 (95% CI 15.59-36.37), negative likelihood ratio 0.15 (95% CI 0.07-0.20) and diagnostic odds ratio 52.63 (95% CI 20.91-132.49). The SROC curve indicated that the maximum joint sensitivity and specificity (Q-value) was 0.88; the area under the curve was 0.94.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis indicated that EMA may be a useful diagnostic tool with good sensitivity and specificity for differentiating malignant effusions from benign effusions.

Cytologic and Immunophenotypic Features of Malignant Cells in Pediatric Body Fluids

OBJECTIVE

Cytospin preparations and immunocytochemistry are common methods in hospitals to evaluate malignancies in body fluids. Characteristics of malignant cells in pediatric body fluids have not been adequately evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN

183 pleural, peritoneal and pericardial pediatric fluid specimens were examined by cytospin preparations and immunocytochemistry from two hospitals using similar procedural techniques. Cytologic diagnoses were correlated with the results of clinical history, histology and ancillary studies.

RESULTS

Forty cases with malignancy were identified (21.9%); the most common diagnoses were rhabdomyosarcoma and acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (9 and 8 cases, respectively). Small round cell tumors revealed similar morphology as clusters of small round cells with central nuclei and scant cytoplasm with frequent small vacuoles. Twenty-one cases were evaluated by immunocytochemistry, 12 by flow cytometry and 5 by cytogenetic analysis. CD3, CD20, TdT, CD10, desmin and myogenin were the most common markers. Staining artifacts causing interpretation difficulties were noted in 5 cases that were resolved by molecular studies and deferral for surgical specimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Small round cell tumors are the most common malignancies encountered in pediatric body fluids and share a nonspecific morphology. Although immunocytochemistry is helpful to arrive at the correct diagnosis, other ancillary studies may be necessary, particularly in hematologic malignancies and other difficult cases.

Identification of Chemical Inhibitors of β-Catenin-Driven Liver Tumorigenesis in Zebrafish

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal human cancers. The search for targeted treatments has been hampered by the lack of relevant animal models for the genetically diverse subsets of HCC, including the 20-40% of HCCs that are defined by activating mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin. To address this chemotherapeutic challenge, we created and characterized transgenic zebrafish expressing hepatocyte-specific activated β-catenin. By 2 months post fertilization (mpf), 33% of transgenic zebrafish developed HCC in their livers, and 78% and 80% of transgenic zebrafish showed HCC at 6 and 12 mpf, respectively. As expected for a malignant process, transgenic zebrafish showed significantly decreased mean adult survival compared to non-transgenic control siblings. Using this novel transgenic model, we screened for druggable pathways that mediate β-catenin-induced liver growth and identified two c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors and two antidepressants (one tricyclic antidepressant, amitriptyline, and one selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that suppressed this phenotype. We further found that activated β-catenin was associated with JNK pathway hyperactivation in zebrafish and in human HCC. In zebrafish larvae, JNK inhibition decreased liver size specifically in the presence of activated β-catenin. The β-catenin-specific growth-inhibitory effect of targeting JNK was conserved in human liver cancer cells. Our other class of hits, antidepressants, has been used in patient treatment for decades, raising the exciting possibility that these drugs could potentially be repurposed for cancer treatment. In support of this proposal, we found that amitriptyline decreased tumor burden in a mouse HCC model. Our studies implicate JNK inhibitors and antidepressants as potential therapeutics for β-catenin-induced liver tumors.

Liver cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death. Genetic analysis of liver cancer has enabled classification of these tumors into subsets with unique genetic, clinical, and prognostic features. The search for targeted liver cancer treatments has been hampered by the lack of relevant animal models for these genetically diverse subsets, including liver cancers that are defined by activating mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin, an integral component of the Wnt signaling pathway. Here we describe the generation and characterization of genetically modified zebrafish expressing hepatocyte-specific activated β-catenin. We used this new zebrafish model to screen for drugs that suppress β-catenin-induced liver growth, and identified two classes of hits, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors and antidepressants, that suppressed this phenotype. Our findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which β-catenin promotes liver tumor formation and implicate JNK inhibitors and antidepressants as potential treatments for a subset of human liver cancers.

Utility of nuclear morphometry in effusion cytology

BACKGROUND

The cytological analysis of serous effusions is a common investigation and yields important diagnostic information. However, the distinction of reactive mesothelial cells from malignant cells can sometimes be difficult for the cytopathologist. Hence cost-effective ancillary methods are essential to enhance the accuracy of cytological diagnosis. The aim of this study was to examine the utility of nuclear morphometry in differentiating reactive mesothelial cells from malignant cells in effusion smears.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty effusion smears consisting of 30 effusions cytologically classified as malignant (adenocarcinomas) and 30 benign effusions showing reactive mesothelial cells were included in the study. ImageJ was used to measure the nuclear area, perimeter, maximal feret diameter, minimal feret diameter and the circularity. A total of ten representative cells were studied in each case.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between benign and malignant effusions for the nuclear area, perimeter, maximal feret diameter and minimal feret diameter. No significant difference was found for circularity, a shape descriptor. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed that nuclear area, perimeter, maximal feret diameter, and minimal feret diameter are helpful in discriminating benign and malignant effusions.

CONCLUSIONS

Computerised nuclear morphometry is a helpful ancillary technique to distinguish benign and malignant effusions. ImageJ is an excellent cost effective tool with potential diagnostic utility in effusion cytology.