A peritoneal dialysate fluid is sent to the laboratory for analysis.Patient history reveals an 85-year-old woman with a previous history of duodenal cancer that is in remission.The technologist is reviewing the cytospin, and notices many large cells that are smooth in appearance and have abundant, basophilic cytoplasm with smooth nuclear membrane, evenly distributed chromatin, and no nucleoli.What is the most probable identification of those cells?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The large cells with smooth appearance and abundant cytoplasm are most likely reactive mesothelial cells, which are commonly seen in peritoneal dialysate fluid due to local irritation or inflammation. Option A (small-cell carcinoma cells) and C (adenocarcinoma cells) are less likely as the patient's history only mentions duodenal cancer that is in remission, and the cytological features do not suggest malignancy. Option D (ependymal cells) is not relevant to the cytospin examination of peritoneal fluid.

A Peritoneal Dialysate Fluid Is Sent to the Laboratory for Analysis.Patient