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Wu B, Liu YJ, Rogers J, Liu YZ, Rabinovitch PS, Small T, Swanson PE, Yeh MM. Role of DNA Flow Cytometry in the Diagnosis of Malignancy in Bile Duct Biopsies Using Paraffin-Embedded Tissue. Am J Clin Pathol 2022; 157:417-425. [PMID: 34542607 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqab130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Histopathologic evaluation of bile biopsies for biliary strictures is frequently challenging and is affected by interobserver disagreement. Reliable ancillary tests that can help differentiate benign from malignant are not available. This study aimed to evaluate whether DNA content abnormalities detected by flow cytometry on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue can help differentiate benign/reactive, dysplastic from malignant cell populations in bile duct biopsies. METHODS We performed DNA flow cytometry on 30 FFPE bile duct biopsies in 5 well-defined diagnostic categories: (1) negative for dysplasia (NED), (2) low-grade dysplasia (LGD), (3) high-grade dysplasia (HGD), (4) carcinoma (CA), and (5) indefinite for dysplasia (IND). RESULTS Abnormal DNA content was detected in 0 NED, 5 LGD (62.5%), 2 HGD (33.3%), 3 CA (60%), and 4 IND (80%) samples. As a diagnostic marker, the estimated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 63%, 100%, 100%, and 50%, respectively, for diagnosing HGD or CA. CONCLUSIONS DNA flow cytometry analysis is a useful ancillary test for the interpretation of bile duct biopsies. DNA content abnormalities, when correlated with histologic findings, will not only help confirm the morphologic impression but also identify patients who are at a higher risk of developing malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bicong Wu
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yong-Jun Liu
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jessica Rogers
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yao-Zhong Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | | | - Thomas Small
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Paul E Swanson
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Matthew M Yeh
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Seattle, WA, USA
- Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Wen KW, Rabinovitch PS, Wang D, Mattis AN, Ferrell LD, Choi WT. Utility of DNA flow cytometry in distinguishing between malignant and benign intrahepatic biliary lesions. Virchows Arch 2020; 477:527-534. [PMID: 32296928 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-020-02812-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
Abstract
The distinction between well-differentiated intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) from its morphological mimics such as bile duct adenoma (BDA) and hamartoma (BDH) can be challenging, particularly in small biopsies. Although a few cases of BDA and BDH have been reported to undergo malignant transformation into iCCA, their neoplastic versus benign nature remains debated. DNA flow cytometry was performed on 47 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples of iCCA, 14 BDA, and 18 BDH. Aneuploidy was detected in 22 iCCA (47%) but in none of the 32 BDA and BDH samples. Among the 34 iCCA patients who underwent complete resection and were followed up to tumor recurrence, tumor-related death, or at least for 1 year, the overall recurrence or death rates (regardless of flow cytometric results) were 18, 56, and 71% within 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year recurrence or death rates in 18 iCCA patients with aneuploidy were 28, 66, and 66%, respectively, whereas 16 iCCA patients in the setting of normal DNA content had 1-, 3-, and 5-year rates of 6, 44, and 72%, respectively. Although aneuploid tumors were associated with worse outcomes during the first 3 years, this difference was not statistically significant (hazard ratio = 1.4, p = 0.473) in the present sample size. In conclusion, the frequency of aneuploidy was significantly higher in iCCA (47%) than in its benign morphological mimics (0%), suggesting that it may potentially serve as a diagnostic marker of malignancy in challenging situations. Our findings also suggest that most BDAs and BDHs, if not all, are benign entities and may not represent precursor lesions to iCCAs that often harbor aneuploidy. Although a larger cohort will be necessary to further determine the prognostic significance of aneuploidy in iCCA patients after resection, the patients with aneuploid tumors may have a higher risk for tumor progression, especially during the first 3 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwun Wah Wen
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Dongliang Wang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, 13210, USA
| | - Aras N Mattis
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Linda D Ferrell
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Won-Tak Choi
- Department of Pathology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Lee H, Rabinovitch PS, Mattis AN, Kakar S, Choi WT. DNA flow cytometric analysis of paraffin-embedded tissue for the diagnosis of malignancy in bile duct biopsies. Hum Pathol 2020; 99:80-87. [PMID: 32272125 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Differentiation of reactive versus neoplastic epithelial changes can be challenging in bile duct biopsies. The samples are often scant, distorted, and mixed with significant inflammation, ulceration, and/or debris. Histological confirmation of malignancy is often required before the initiation of surgical therapy, and an erroneous diagnosis of malignancy can lead to unnecessary clinical management. Aneuploidy assessment by DNA flow cytometry was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue from 63 bile duct biopsies: 10 with a malignant diagnosis (7 with adenocarcinoma and 3 with at least high-grade dysplasia [HGD]); 3 with an atypical diagnosis showing rare atypical glands/cells, concerning but not definite for malignancy; 28 likely reactive biopsies with acute/chronic inflammation, ulceration, and/or mild nuclear atypia; and 22 additional benign biopsies without significant inflammation, ulceration, or nuclear atypia. Aneuploidy was detected in 7 (70%) of the 10 biopsies with definite neoplasia (5 of 7 adenocarcinoma cases and 2 of 3 at least HGD cases), all 3 (100%) atypical biopsies, and none of the 50 benign biopsies. All 3 atypical cases with aneuploidy were subsequently found to have adenocarcinoma (n = 2) or HGD (n = 1). Among the 2 cases of at least HGD with aneuploidy, 1 case developed adenocarcinoma, but no follow-up information was available in the other case. The remaining 1 case of at least HGD, despite having normal DNA content, was found to have adenocarcinoma on follow-up. None of the 50 benign cases (further supported by normal DNA content) developed adenocarcinoma within a mean follow-up time of 37 months (range: 0-282 months). The estimated sensitivity of aneuploidy as a diagnostic marker of malignancy (adenocarcinoma and HGD) was 70%, with the specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, and negative predictive value of 94%. In conclusion, DNA flow cytometry using FFPE tissue from bile duct biopsies demonstrates a high rate of aneuploidy (70%) in malignant cases and normal DNA content in all benign biopsies. Although the sample size is small, the results indicate that this assay can be potentially useful in challenging atypical cases, where morphological evaluation is limited by scarcity of atypical glands/cells, inflammation, and/or ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Lee
- University of California at San Francisco, Department of Pathology, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | | | - Aras N Mattis
- University of California at San Francisco, Department of Pathology, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; University of California at San Francisco, Liver Center, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sanjay Kakar
- University of California at San Francisco, Department of Pathology, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Won-Tak Choi
- University of California at San Francisco, Department of Pathology, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Vasilieva LE, Papadhimitriou SI, Dourakis SP. Modern diagnostic approaches to cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2012; 11:349-59. [PMID: 22893461 DOI: 10.1016/s1499-3872(12)60192-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma is a very aggressive tumor with poor survival. Therefore, early diagnosis and surgical resection are of paramount importance. Its diagnosis is difficult because access to the tumor is not easy. Biopsy is possible only for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, which accounts for 10% of cases. Routine brush cytology from endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has a high specificity of 100% but unfortunately a low sensitivity of 30%. In this review we briefly describe new diagnostic techniques applicable to ERCP brush cytology specimens and targeting the genetic background of the disease, in particular fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and digital image analysis (DIA). DATA SOURCES The PubMed database up to 2011 was used for the retrieval of relevant articles. The search terms FISH, fluorescence in situ hybridization, DIA, digital image analysis and cholangiocarcinoma were used. Both original and review articles were used. RESULTS FISH identifies cells with chromosomal abnormalities, mainly numerical aberrations, using a mixture of fluorescence-labeled probes. FISH offers a higher sensitivity than routine cytology, retaining a high level of specificity. The DIA criterion for malignancy is demonstration of aneuploidy. This technique increases the sensitivity to 40%, but the specificity remains low. Preliminary data from application to other tumors suggest that combination of FISH and DIA may be of further benefit. CONCLUSIONS The new techniques offer a significantly enhanced diagnostic efficacy in the evaluation of ERCP brush specimens. Apart from contributing to a more timely diagnosis, their wider application to cholangiocarcinoma may also facilitate the genetic study of the disease and add to our understanding of oncogenesis at the molecular level, with the prospect of identifying targets for novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larisa E Vasilieva
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, University of Athens Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, 114 Vas Sofias Avenue, Athens 11527, Greece.
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Levy MJ, Clain JE, Clayton A, Halling KC, Kipp BR, Rajan E, Roberts LR, Root RM, Sebo TJ, Topazian MD, Wang KK, Wiersema MJ, Gores GJ. Preliminary experience comparing routine cytology results with the composite results of digital image analysis and fluorescence in situ hybridization in patients undergoing EUS-guided FNA. Gastrointest Endosc 2007; 66:483-90. [PMID: 17725938 DOI: 10.1016/j.gie.2007.03.1053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2007] [Accepted: 03/19/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies indicate enhanced diagnostic accuracy for digital image analysis (DIA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) versus routine cytology examination (RC) when biliary strictures are evaluated. These tumor markers have not been applied to EUS-guided FNA. OBJECTIVE Our purpose was to determine the accuracy of RC versus the composite results of DIA/FISH. DESIGN Patients enrolled with known or suspected malignancy. The final diagnosis was based on strict cytopathologic and imaging criteria and 12-month follow-up. SETTINGS Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS A total of 39 patients were enrolled in whom each diagnostic test was performed on samples from 42 sites to evaluate lymphadenopathy (n=19), pancreatic mass (n=19), esophageal or gastric wall mass (n=3), and thyroid mass (n=1). INTERVENTIONS EUS-guided FNA with RC, DIA, and FISH. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT Diagnostic accuracy of RC, DIA, and FISH. RESULTS Malignancy was diagnosed in 30 of 42 patients, including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasia, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia, metastatic forearm sarcoma, small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, thyroid carcinoma, malignant GI stromal tumor, melanoma, adenocarcinoma of unknown primary, and lymphoma. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DIA/FISH versus RC for detecting malignancy were 97%, 100%, and 98% versus 87%, 100%, and 90%, respectively. LIMITATIONS Single-center pilot study. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that DIA and FISH processing of EUS-guided FNA specimens provides higher diagnostic accuracy than RC does. These data suggest that these tumor markers incorporate generic targets as suggested by the high diagnostic sensitivity in this patient cohort with diverse pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Levy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pathology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Baron TH, Harewood GC, Rumalla A, Pochron NL, Stadheim LM, Gores GJ, Therneau TM, De Groen PC, Sebo TJ, Salomao DR, Kipp BR. A prospective comparison of digital image analysis and routine cytology for the identification of malignancy in biliary tract strictures. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2004; 2:214-9. [PMID: 15017605 DOI: 10.1016/s1542-3565(04)00006-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Digital image analysis (DIA) allows quantification of nuclear DNA content and may help distinguish benign and malignant strictures of the biliary tract. METHODS One hundred ten consecutive patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiography for suspicious biliary tract strictures were enrolled in a prospective study comparing the accuracy of DIA and routine cytology (RC). Standard brush cytology sampling was performed twice by using 2 cytology brushes per patient. Both brushes were fixed in a single-specimen vial. Each specimen was formed into 1 pellet, and the sample was equally divided for evaluation by DIA and RC. DNA histograms were generated for ploidy analysis. The DIA criterion for malignancy was demonstration of aneuploidy. RESULTS Two patients had inadequate samples obtained for DIA analysis, 7 benign patients were excluded because of inadequate follow-up of less than 75 days, and 1 patient was lost to follow-up to clarify malignant versus benign disease. Of the remaining 100 patients, 56 strictures were malignant and 44 were benign. The sensitivities of DIA and RC were 39.3% and 17.9%, respectively (P = 0.014). The specificities of DIA and RC were 77.3% and 97.7%, respectively (P = 0.003). The accuracy of DIA (56.0%) was equivalent to RC (53.0%). CONCLUSIONS DIA is a valuable adjunct to RC for detecting malignant strictures of the biliary tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd H Baron
- Division of Gastroenterology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
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Rumalla A, Baron TH, Leontovich O, Burgart LJ, Yacavone RF, Therneau TM, de Groen PC, Sebo TJ. Improved diagnostic yield of endoscopic biliary brush cytology by digital image analysis. Mayo Clin Proc 2001; 76:29-33. [PMID: 11155409 DOI: 10.4065/76.1.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of digital image analysis (DIA) for distinguishing between benign and malignant strictures of the biliary tract. PATIENTS AND METHODS Our pathology databank was used to identify all biliary brush cytology specimens obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between June 1997 and June 1999. Corresponding medical records were reviewed to determine whether patients had benign or malignant strictures. Strictures were further classified into benign strictures with negative routine cytology, malignant strictures with negative routine cytology, and malignant strictures with positive routine cytology. Papanicolaou-stained smears of available brush cytology specimens were destained and then restained with Feulgen dye. Nuclear images were quantified for DNA content without knowledge of stricture type. DNA histograms were generated and ploidy results compared with the class of stricture. RESULTS We analyzed 27 specimens from 69 confirmed benign or malignant strictures. Assuming that the presence of any aneuploid cells indicated malignancy, the sensitivity of DIA was 85%. Furthermore, aneuploid cells were detected by DIA in 13 of 16 specimens in which routine cytology was unrevealing. CONCLUSION Ploidy assessment by DIA has potential to enhance the sensitivity of diagnosing malignant strictures compared with routine cytology alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Rumalla
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Bergquist A, Tribukait B, Glaumann H, Broomé U. Can DNA cytometry be used for evaluation of malignancy and premalignancy in bile duct strictures in primary sclerosing cholangitis? J Hepatol 2000; 33:873-7. [PMID: 11131447 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(00)80117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The significance of DNA ploidy determinations for diagnosing cholangiocarcinoma (CC) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) has not previously been evaluated. Knowledge of tumour cell ploidy by DNA cytometry may facilitate the evaluation of malignant and premalignant lesions in PSC. METHODS Twenty-eight patients with CC were studied; 10 of the patients had PSC. Seventeen samples from 15 patients with PSC but without CC were used as controls for benign strictures. Gallbladder tissue from 100 patients with chronic cholecystitis was also analysed. DNA was measured using flow cytometry on cells from paraffin-embedded tissues. RESULTS Tumours from patients with PSC displayed non-tetraploid DNA aneuploidy significantly more often (80%) than tumours from patients without PSC (39%) (p<0.05). CC from patients with PSC significantly more often displayed DNA aneuploidy: 80% (8/10) compared with 12% (2/17) in bile ducts in PSC without CC (p=0.0007). The frequency of DNA aneuploidy in gallbladder tissue from patients with chronic cholecystasis was 1% (1/100). CONCLUSION The high prevalence of DNA aneuploidy in PSC-related CC and the low prevalence in benign PSC strictures point to DNA cytometry as a possible future method for detecting malignant and premalignant changes in bile duct strictures in patients with PSC. This method may be useful in selecting PSC patients for liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bergquist
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Karolinska Institute, Huddinge, Sweden.
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