• Wan-Xin Chen, Wei Zhang, Yong Xu, Jun Liu, and Li-Hua Fan.
• Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
• Zhonghua Bing Li Xue Za Zhi. 2004 Dec 1; 33 (6): 527-31.

ObjectivesTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in extramedullary leukemic infiltration.MethodsThe results of FNAC from 65 cases of extramedullary leukemic infiltration were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsIn the 65 cases studied, there were 24 cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 25 cases of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), 6 cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and 10 cases of chronic granulocytic leukemia (CML). The commonest site of infiltration was lymph node, which accounted for 73.8% of all cases.ConclusionsAccurate cytologic diagnosis of extramedullary leukemic infiltration relies on detailed morphologic assessment as well as correlation with clinical examination and other relevant laboratory findings, especially in patients whose initial symptom being a local mass. Leukemic infiltration, which represents proliferation of primitive cells, should be distinguished from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Morphologic assessment by oil immersion lens and examination of peripheral blood smears is useful in this respect.

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