Evaluation of Imprint Smears of Bronchoscopic Biopsy in Lung Tumors: A Cytohistological Correlation

BACKGROUND: There are several methods for obtaining samples in patients of lung tumors, of which bronchoscopic biopsy is the most common. In most of Indian scenario, however, histopathology diagnosis is time taking. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate imprint cytology as a tool for rapid diagnosis of lung carcinoma and its histopathological correlation. STUDY TYPE: Prospective study on accuracy of a diagnostic test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 175 cases were included in the study, and all of them were subjected to brochoscopic biopsy. Imprint smears were prepared from all the bronchoscopy specimens obtained from 175 cases. Imprint smears were stained with Leishman-Giemsa cocktail and Pap stain, and histopathology sections were stained with hematoxlin and eosin. Histopathological findings were confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity of imprint cytology was 84.9% and 72.4%, respectively when compared to histopathology as standard. CONCLUSION: Imprint cytology can be used as a preliminary tool for diagnosis in lung tumor bronchoscopic biopsies.