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Thin-Layer Cytopathology of a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) in Effusion: Diagnostic Dilemmas

Address correspondence to Roberta Zappacosta, M.D., PhD., Section of Cytopathology, "SS Annuziata" Hospital, Via Dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy; tel 39 0871 357403; fax 39 0871 540079; e-mail zappacosta2{at}hotmail.com.

Although gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon, they represent the most frequent mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract. During recent years, considerable information has been published about the pathogenesis, molecular biology, histological criteria, surgery, and adjuvant pharmacological treatment of GISTs, but there have been few reports about the cytologic diagnosis of GISTs, particularly in effusions; in such specimens these neoplasms cause a wide range of potential pitfalls. In this case report, we show that by combining morphological and immunocytochemical studies on thin layer slide preparations, the cytologic diagnosis of GISTs can be both accurate and efficient.

Keywords: ascitic fluid, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, immunocytochemistry, cytologic diagnosis