Search

Conclusion. In our experience, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) combined with immunocytochemistry/flow cytometry in the investigation of lymphoma presenting in the neck is highly valuable. In our unit it has a sensitivity of 95.5% and a positive predictive value (PPV) of 96.8% and is the first-line investigation in suspected lymphoma. It enables planning of radiological and haematological investigations and obviates panendoscopy as part of the staging protocol. Objective: Lymphoma commonly presents to otolaryngologists. The aim of our study was to evaluate the accuracy of FNAC in lymphoma presenting in the neck at our institute. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively between 2003 and 2007. Separate searches for cytological and histopathological diagnosis of lymphoma on cervical lymph node biopsies were cross-referenced. Immunocytochemistry stains used were recorded. Results: A total of 121 cases met the inclusion criteria. The FNAC diagnosis of lymphoma was correct on lymph node biopsy in 68.6% (83/121). In 18 (14.9%) cases a false-negative result and in 3 (2.5%) cases a false-positive result was seen. In all, 17 (14.0%) cases were non-diagnostic (11 inadequate and 6 suspicious). In 16/20 (80.0%) cases of wrong diagnosis, immunocytochemistry had not been performed. Flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry were used in 67 cases and the FNAC diagnosis had a sensitivity of 95.5% and a PPV of 96.8% in this group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the outcome of patients with ROCM (Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis) following their medical and surgical management. It is a prognostic study based in a tertiary care center in North-Western India. Patients who developed ROCM post COVID-19 infection from 1st September 2020 to 30th June 2021 were included in this study. Surgical debridement and administration of antifungal therapy was done for the post-COVID-19 ROCM patients. Disease progression and survival was studied up to 5 months of follow-up in the second wave. A total of 145 ROCM patients were included. The mean age at presentation, male: female ratio was 48.2 years and 2:1 respectively. As per our proposed new staging system and treatment strategy, the majority of patients belonged to stage II (31.72%) and stage III (31.03%). On a follow-up period of 5 months, 26 (18%) patients have lost their life and rest of the patients are on strict follow-up. ROCM is an extremely aggressive fungal infection which rapidly became an epidemic following the COVID-19 pandemic. The diverse and unique presentation led us to evolve a new strategy to classify and manage these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]