Cytological changes of the conjunctiva in immunoglobulin-producing dyscrasias.

The conjunctivae of 15 patients with confirmed immunoglobulin-producing dyscrasias were examined by cytological techniques. Of 13 patients with no gross ocular symptoms, 10 showed distinct epithelial cell changes and/or the presence of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive cells. Two other patients with gross abnormalities of the conjunctiva revealed the presence of PAS-positive cells, Dutcher bodies, and lymphocytoid-plasma cells. Lymphomatous deposition may develop in the conjunctiva and present as conjunctival nodules or as a diffuse infiltration. It is concluded that the cytological preparation of conjunctival smears may serve as a sensitive indicator of systemic immunoglobulin-producing dyscrasias.