Diagnostic utility of notch-1 immunocytochemistry in endometrial cytology.

OBJECTIVE

It was the aim of this study to evaluate the diagnostic utility of Notch-1 immunocytochemistry in distinguishing endometrial glandular and stromal breakdown (EGBD) from endometrial adenocarcinoma in endometrial cytology.

STUDY DESIGN

Samples of normal endometrium, EGBD and endometrial adenocarcinoma were subjected to immunocytochemical staining for Notch-1, and we examined the labeling index (LI) of Notch-1 (the ratio of intranuclear Notch-1-positive cells to total cells). We compared (1) the Notch-1 LI in normal endometrium, (2) the Notch-1 LI between normal endometrium and endometrial adenocarcinoma, and (3) the Notch-1 LI in normal endometrium, EGBD and endometrial adenocarcinoma.

RESULTS

In analysis item 1, the LI of Notch-1 was 32.9 ± 8.4, 19.4 ± 8.2 and 12.5 ± 7.5% in proliferative endometrium, secretory endometrium and atrophic endometrium, respectively. In analysis item 2, the LI of Notch-1 in endometrial adenocarcinoma was 45.2 ± 7.4%, which was significantly higher than that in normal endometrium. In analysis item 3, the LI of Notch-1 in EGBD was 31.3 ± 8.3%, which was significantly lower than that in endometrial adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Notch-1 immunocytochemistry is a useful method for distinguishing between EGBD and endometrial carcinoma in endometrial cytology.