Background: Filariasis, a global problem, is a major public health issue in India. Despite its high incidence, it is unusual to detect microfilaria in cytological smears, though unexpected detection of microfilariae in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), exfoliative and fluid cytology have been reported previously. The study analyzed the role of cytology in detection of asymptomatic carriers of microfilariae. Methods:This was a retrospective, observational study and included cases of filariasis from cytological records spanning five years. The epidemiological, clinical, hematologic and radiologic details were noted. The slides were retrieved and examined. Descriptive statistical analysis was utilized.Result: Filariasis was diagnosed in 0.03% of the total cytology cases studied during the period, constituting 0.04% of FNACs (two cases of inguino-scrotal swellings, two of breast lumps, one of thyroid swelling) and 0.02% of cervicovaginal smears (two cases). None of them was clinically suspected to be filariasis. Radiological examination was also misleading. None of the cases demonstrated raised leukocytosis or microfilaremia and eosinophilia was present in 3 cases (42.9%). Apart from microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti, eggs were present in one case. This was associated with inflammation in all cases, cell adherence in 42.9% and coexistent hyperplastic and neoplastic conditions in 57.1% cases. Conclusion:The detection of microfilariae in cytological material in the absence of clinical, radiologic or hematologic suspicion, in an area of relatively low prevalence of filaria, points to the need for a high index of suspicion and careful screening of all smears, as cytology may play an important role in the diagnosis of asymptomatic carriers of microfilariae.

Congenital Heart Diseases (CHD) carry significant morbidity and mortality in paediatric patients. Transposition of Great Arteries (TGA) is a common cyanotic CHD. However, onset of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) is potentially severe and rare complication reported in 1-3% of newborns. Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HOCM) is a primary disease of cardiac muscle usually recognised in adulthood. Neonatal HOCM without other congenital anomalies, no family history of HOCM, no history of exposure to corticosteroids or any inborn errors of metabolism is rarely recognised. Authors hereby report two cases of neonatal autopsy showing TGA with PAH (Grade 2) and another with HOCM without any primary cause received in our hospital. With this case report authors wish to stress on the importance of cardiac examination (heart and the associated vessels) in autopsy specimen which in turn requires training of pathologists in cardiac pathology along with routine fetal anomaly scanning in arriving successively at the final diagnosis and detecting the cause of death which helps in management of future pregnancies by the clinicians.

Solid papillary carcinoma of the breast (SPCB) is a distinctive form of papillary carcinoma that tends to occur in older women and usually has a favorable prognosis. We describe an invasive solid papillary carcinoma with extracellular and intracellular mucin and neuroendocrine differentiation in a 60-year old female. The cytological features have been also been highlighted with an insight on differentials that were helpful in its correct identification preoperatively.

Pigmented basal cell carcinoma (PBCC) is a rare cutaneous neoplasm with only a few cases described in the literature so far. We report a case of PBCC that developed on the right lower eyelid with an elucidation of cytomorphological features of this rare variant of basal cell carcinoma to make a cytopathologist aware of the characteristic cytological features of this tumor. These cytological features of PBBC aid in the identification of these tumors on cytology. We also briefly discuss the possible differential diagnoses.

Eosinophilic mastitis is a rare benign breast pathology which presents with lump breast and can mimic malignancy. So far eight reported cases have been found in literature review. All cases were associated with peripheral eosinophilia and systemic involvement except one. Isolated eosinophilic mastitis in the absence of peripheral eosinophilia or systemic involvement is a very rare presentation. Being one of the rare cases, prompted us to take up this case in our present study. A 40-year-old lady presented with progressively enlarging, slightly painful swelling in left breast of 15 days duration with no other relevant past and family history. The clinical differential diagnosis of mastitis and carcinoma was suggested. Aspiration cytology was reported as benign breast disease- fibroadenosis. Imaging studies undertaken were inconclusive. Case managed surgically with wide local excision. Post-surgical tissue specimen was subjected to histopathology examination and was diagnosed as eosinophilic mastitis. A prolonged follow-up revealed no recurrence.