Reactive Cellular Changes in Anal Cytology Smears and Its Relation to Future Dysplastic Changes in HIV+ Subjects
Year: 2021
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction/Objective The incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma is increasing in high risk populations. There is no consensus regarding screening for anal squamous cell carcinoma. Anal pap smears are interpreted using the Bethesda System for cervical cytology. Significant challenges exist for anal cytology that do not apply to cervicovaginal cytology. Methods/Case Report We retrospectively reviewed the anal cytology smears performed in our institution between 2012- 2019. The smears with reactive cytology changes (RCCs) were retrieved, and corresponding follow up smears were reviewed. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) A total of 39 cytology smears with positive RCCs with no dysplasia diagnosis were obtained. All were HIV+. 32 cases were male and 7 females. The overall mean age was: 37.77 + 11.94 SD (range: 23-65 years). The mean age for men was 36.53 + 11.51 and 43.43 + 13.13 for women. Although this mean age was higher for women, the age difference was statistically insignificant (p=0.7, alpha=0.05). Four of the women patients had concomitant cervicovaginal cytology all of which were negative. Only 1 female had a follow up study which was negative. Of the 39 cases, 26 cases (25 men and 1 woman or a total of 66.7%) had followed up smears versus 13 (33.3%) cases with no follow up. A total of 7 out of the 26 follow ups were negative for dysplasia (26.92%). Of the 26 follow ups, a total of 18 (69.23%) were found to have progressed to either ASCUS (15 or 57.69%) or LSIL (3 or 11.53%). One ASCUS was diagnosed as possible high grade. The mean time to convert to dysplasia was 2.06 + 1.25 years (range 1-5 years). Half of the dysplastic cases developed in a 1 year period. Conclusion Patients who have reactive changes on anal cytology should be monitored for possible development of anal neoplasia.
Authors: S Seydafkan, K Loukeris, M R Pincus
Institution: SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W3210770639