From the Department of Pathology, Shiraz Medical School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, I.R. Iran.
Abstract: (3694 Views)
Argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNORs) were determined in 94
pleural, pericardial and peritoneal effusions. The results were correlated with cytologic
diagnosis to determine the diagnostic potential of this technique. Cytologically
the number of normal, reactive and malignant effusions were 32, 28 and
34 respectively.
The mean AgNOR counts for normal, reactive and malignant specimens were
1.365,2.328 and 4.747 respectively. The cut-off points between normal-reactive
and reactive-malignant specimens were 1.84 and 3.53 respectively. All of the
malignant specimens (100%) had AgNOR counts above 3.53.
Neither reactive nor normal specimens had AgNOR counts above 3.53. 82.1 %
of reactive specimens had AgNOR counts above 1.84 and 87.5% of normal specimens
had AgNOR counts below this point.
There was a statistically significant difference between the AgNOR counts
in normal, reactive and malignant effusions (p<0.001).
We conclude that the AgNOR method is a specific diagnostic tool for serosal
cavity effusions, especially when malignancy is suspected.
Type of Study:
Original Research |
Subject:
Pathology