Underrecognized Patterns of High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion on ThinPrep Preparations

Abstract

Objectives: To identify less readily identifiable patterns of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in negative human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive Papanicolaou (Pap) tests on ThinPrep preparations.

Methods: Of all HPV-positive Pap tests that were negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy (NILM) from July 2013 to June 2018, those with HSIL on subsequent histology within 6 months were identified. ThinPrep slides from the latter group (group 1) and from NILM HPV-negative Pap tests with negative follow-up (group 2) were reviewed independently by 4 participants. Group 1 cases were then reviewed together for consensus and with the ThinPrep Imaging System (TIS). Any discrepancies from the original interpretation were recorded.

Results: The study cohort included 57 cases each in groups 1 and 2. On final review of group 1 cases, 17 (29.8%) were classified as NILM or unsatisfactory. Of the remaining, 4 cases revealed rare abnormal cells not flagged by the TIS in the fields of view. In the 36 cases (63.1%) with screening or interpretative errors, the key cytologic findings accounting for major discrepancies included atypical metaplastic cells, atypical repair, rare syncytial groups, and atypical immature metaplastic cells.

Conclusions: There are 3 main underrecognized patterns of HSIL in cervical cytology: atypical metaplastic cells, atypical repair, and rare syncytial groups.

Keywords: Cervical cytology; False negative; HSIL; Pap test; ThinPrep.