Dynamic Telecytology Compares Favorably to Rapid Onsite Evaluation of Endoscopic Ultrasound Fine Needle Aspirates

Abstract

Background and Aims Rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) has been demonstrated to correlate with final cytologic interpretations and improves the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA, however, its availability is variable across centers. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate whether remote telecytology can substitute for ROSE. Methods Consecutive patients who underwent EUS-FNA for diverse indications at a high volume referral center were enrolled All samples were prospectively evaluated by three methods. ROSE was performed by a cytopathologist in the procedure room; simultaneously dynamic telecytology was done by a different cytopathologist in a remote location at our institution. The third method, final cytologic interpretation in the laboratory, was the gold standard. Telecytology was performed using an Olympus microscope system (BX) which broadcasts live images over the internet. Accuracy of telecytology and agreement with other methods were the principle outcome measurements. Results Twenty-five consecutive samples were obtained from participants 40–87 years (median age =63, 48% male). There was 88% agreement between telecytology and final cytology (p < 0.001) and 92% agreement between ROSE and final cytology (p <0.001). There was consistency between telecytology and ROSE (p-value for McNemar’s χ2 = 1.0). Cohen’s kappa for agreement for telecytology and ROSE was 0.80 (SE = 0.11), confirming favorable correlation. Conclusion Dynamic telecytology compares favorably to ROSE in the assessment of EUS acquired fine needle aspirates. If confirmed by larger trials, this system might obviate the need for onsite interpretation of EUS-FNA specimens.

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