Cytologic findings in vitreous fluids. Analysis of 74 specimens.
Journal Article (Journal Article)
OBJECTIVE: To review the cytologic findings of vitreous specimens and propose a simplified approach to them. STUDY DESIGN: Seventy-four vitreous specimens from 60 patients obtained either during a pars plana vitrectomy or by vitreous aspiration were reviewed. Clinical correlation was obtained on all patients. RESULTS: Findings suggestive of a specific disorder were present in 30 specimens (41%); cytologic examination of the remaining 44 showed nonspecific changes. A lymphoproliferative disorder, the intraocular malignancy suspected most often in this series, was identified in eight specimens (11%). Large cell lymphomas were evident in 5 specimens, 2 specimens were suspicious for lymphoma, and 1 specimen was consistent with plasmacytoma. Twelve specimens (16%) contained hemorrhage. In rare instances, specific infectious agents, such as parasites (5%), bacteria (1%) and fungi (3%), could be identified. The diagnosis of viral infections required ancillary studies. Lens fragments were identified in four cases (5%), and a diagnosis of lens-induced endophthalmitis could be rendered in one case (1%). Changes consistent with sarcoidosis were present in 3% of cases. CONCLUSION: Based on this experience with vitreous specimens submitted for clinical reasons, we found that they could be divided into three broad diagnostic categories: inflammation/infection (54 specimens/41 patients), hemorrhage (12 specimens/12 patients) and malignancy (8 specimens/7 patients).
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Liu, K; Klintworth, GK; Dodd, LG
Published Date
- March 1999
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 43 / 2
Start / End Page
- 201 - 206
PubMed ID
- 10097710
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0001-5547
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1159/000330977
Language
- eng
Conference Location
- Switzerland