Cytological Features of a Variant NUT Midline Carcinoma of the Lung Harboring the NSD3-NUT Fusion Gene: A Case Report and Literature Review. (19th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kuroda, Shiho; Suzuki, Shioto; Kurita, Akira; Muraki, Mari; Aoshima, Yoichiro; Tanioka, Fumihiko; Sugimura, Haruhiko
• Other Names: Chaudhry Imtiaz A. Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in pathology. Volume 2015(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-01-19
• Subjects: Pathology -- Periodicals; Pathology; Pathology; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Periodicals; Case Reports; Fulltext; Internet Resources; Periodicals; 616.07
• DOI: 10.1155/2015/572951
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2090-6781

Abstract

Abstract : Background . Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma (NMC) is a very rare and aggressive malignancy. In more than two-thirds of these NMC cases, a fusion between NUT and BRD4 or BRD3 has been documented; other variants are rare. The cytology of NMC itself has been sparsely documented and that of variant NMC has never been reported. Case Presentation . A 36-year-old woman was admitted because of a rapidly progressing lung tumor with metastases to the breast and bone. We recently reported this patient as the first case of a variant NMC of the lung harboring an NSD3-NUT fusion, based on immunohistochemical and genetic analyses. Cytological material was available for the present review. A highly cellular smear contained a predominantly noncohesive pattern of monomorphic cells with diameters 2–2.5 times greater than those of small lymphocytes, with a round-to-oval nucleus, slightly irregular nuclear contours, variably prominent nucleoli, scant cytoplasm, and identifiable mitotic figures. Foci of stratification and overt pearl formation, including a dyskeratocyte, were occasionally observed. The necrotic background contained naked nuclei, karyorrhectic debris, apoptotic cells, and macrophages phagocytizing karyorrhectic debris; nuclear crushing was noted. Conclusion . The cytological features of a variant NMC of the lung are described for the first time.