Multiparametric Flow Cytometry versus Conventional Cytology in the Study of Leptomeningeal Involvement in Malignant Hematological Diseases.

BACKGROUND

CNS involvement is a complication in hematologic malignant neoplasms. The advantage of multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) over conventional cytology (CC) in detecting occult leptomeningeal disease in CSF has been proven previously, as reported in the literature. In this study, we reviewed the experience of our laboratory in evaluating CSF specimens by MFC and CC after refinement of technical procedures.

METHODS

MFC analysis was performed in 159 specimens. In 91 specimens, simultaneous CC and MFC analysis was requested and results compared.

RESULTS

Neoplastic cells were identified in 27 (17.0%) of the total samples and in 17 (18.7%) of the paired specimens group by MFC, compared with 2 (2.2%) specimens with positive results as determined by CC. MFC enabled identification of malignant cells in low-cellularity specimens (<5 cells/μL) and all neoplasm categories.

CONCLUSION

MFC allowed the detection of minimal numbers of tumor cells in CSF specimens from individuals with leukemia and lymphoma in whom CC had not been able to identify those tumor cells.