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Indian Journal of Pathology: Research and Practice

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Pleural Fluid Cytology: A Simple Tool in the Differential Diagnosis of Various Lesions

Vidya Viswanathan, Associate Professor Dept. of Pathology, Dr D Y Patil Medical College and research center, Dr. D Y Patil University, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India. , Arpana Dharwadkar1 , Vidya Viswanathan2 , Shruti Vimal3 , Namrata Patro4

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Indian Journal of Pathology: Research and Practice 7(8):p 901-904, August 2018. | DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.7818.2

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Abstract

Background: In this modern era where many sensitive techniques have emerged for achieving a specific diagnosis, cytological study of pleural fluid cytology still remains an easy and a basic step in diagnosing a variety of pulmonary and nonpulmonary lesions. Both non-malignant and malignant causes of effusion can be identified by the relatively non-invasive technique of pleural fluid cytology. 

Materials and methods: It was a retrospective study including cases over a period of one year. Pleural fluids were analyzed for physical properties like the volume of fluid received, colour and odour. The cells were counted on Neubauers chamber and stained smears were examined to study the type of cells present.

Results: Pleural cytology of 150 cases was studied. The ages of the patients ranged from 8 years to 69 years. Twenty four cases (16%) showed transudative effusion and 126 cases (84%) showed exudative effusion. The most common cause of transudative effusion was congestive cardiac failure (50%), followed by liver cirrhosis. Tuberculosis was the most common (62.2%) cause of exudative effusion. Four cases of malignancy were noted which caused exudative effusion.

Conclusion: Pleural fluid cytology is a simple, easy and effective method for diagnosing various conditions. Numerous pulmonary and systemic conditions can be suspected and diagnosed with this relatively non- invasive method. The cytological examination of body effusion is a complete diagnostic modality which aims at pointing out the etiology of effusions.

Keywords: Pleural Fluid; Transudate; Exudate; Neoplastic Cells.

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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijprp.2278.148X.7818.2

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