2024 article
Comparison of selected cytomorphological features of canine pemphigus foliaceus and superficial pyoderma
Spriggs, T. S., Gedon, N. K. Y., Linder, K. E., & Bizikova, P. (2024, June 5). VETERINARY DERMATOLOGY.
author keywords: acantholytic cells; cytology; impetigo; pemphigus; pyoderma
open access via onlinelibrary.wiley.com (publisher PDF)
UN Sustainable Development Goal Categories
3. Good Health and Well-being
(Web of Science)
Source: Web Of Science
Added: June 17, 2024
Abstract Background Cytological detection of acantholytic keratinocytes (acantholytic cells [AC]) helps to identify canine pemphigus foliaceus (cPF) yet AC also occurs in superficial pyoderma (SP), the main differential diagnosis. Hypothesis/Objectives To compare selected cytomorphological features of cPF and SP and to establish cytological diagnostic criteria that could differentiate cPF from SP. Animals 40 and 51 client‐owned dogs with PF and SP, respectively. Materials and Methods Impression smears from cPF (64), impetigo (40) and exfoliative superficial pyoderma (ESP) (17) samples were stained with Romanowsky stain, randomised, blinded and evaluated by two investigators independently. The entire sample was screened (×500 or ×1000 magnification) for round (AC1), boat (AC2) and raft AC, eosinophils and bacteria. Interobserver agreements were calculated. Results The average number of the 10 highest ×500 fields for AC1 and AC2 was significantly higher in PF than SP ( p < 0.0001; Kruskal–Wallis test). Rafts and eosinophils were more common in PF than SP ( p < 0.0001; chi‐square test), while bacteria were rare in PF (5%; p < 0.0001; chi‐square test). Observations between the experienced and novice investigators were highly correlated. An ROC analysis identified five AC1/×500‐magnification field as a suitable cut‐off value for predicting PF diagnosis. This cut‐off value was tested by two additional investigators, who identified sensitivity of 84%–100%, specificity of 95%–97% and accuracy of 95%–96% for the diagnosis of cPF. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Criterion‐based impression smear cytological evaluation can provide strong evidence to support the clinical diagnosis. Acantholytic cell morphology varies in cPF and SP, and experience can improve accuracy in cytological differentiation.