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Comparison was made between cytophotometric measurements obtained using two data acquisition systems, one a microphotometer and the other a rapid video camera system, to ascertain whether the degradation of data with the faster video acquisition system still results in recorded images of sufficient quality to permit computer discrimination between cells of very similar appearance. Normal-appearing intermediate cells from cases with normal cytology and those from patients with dysplasia or malignant disease, as well as the subvisual markers within these cells that have rendered them capable of cytophotometric discrimination, were used for the study. Comparison of the data recorded by the two systems indicates that the diagnostic information is preserved in the change-over to a full-field, video-rate scanning system, with differences in the data caused primarily by differences in the spectral response of the two systems. This was reflected in the substantial differences observed in the color-related features and the lesser differences seen in the textural features, while the morphometric features (outline and shape) were virtually unaffected. The differences were primarily expressed on a cell-to-cell basis; in sets of about 300 cells, which would be used in patient-to-patient comparisons, the feature values showed remarkable consistency between the two systems.

Of 28 consecutive patients with prostatic hypertrophy, 15 had biopsies taken from macroscopically completely normal urinary bladder mucosae. Epithelial changes of histological malignancy grade II were demonstrated in 9 patients. Two patients had malignancy grade I.In two of the patients with epithelial changes there were postoperative periods of 6 and 10 months with positive cytology and epithelial changes on biopsy corresponding to grade II. In both patients this was followed with normal cytology for a period of 24 and 12 months respectively.Changes similar to this were demonstrated in another 2 patients, but here as permanent positive cytology for 14 and 13 months and epithelial changes grade II on repeated biopsy. There was no period with normal cytology up to the time of follow up. Patients with prostatic hypertrophy requiring treatment are emphazised in this study. These patients have a risk of developing changes in the transitional cell epithelium of the urinary bladder.

Thirty-two consecutive patients with mediastinal lesions suggestive of bronchogenic carcinoma underwent transbronchial needle aspiration. Eighteen of 20 patients (90 percent) with proved bronchogenic carcinoma had malignant cytology specimens or tissue fragments. Of 12 patients with normal cytology specimens, six were subsequently proved to have nonneoplastic disease. Transbronchial needle aspiration appears to offer a sensitive and specific alternative to more invasive surgical techniques used in the diagnosis of malignancies with mediastinal involvement

This book is the only currently available textbook devoted almost entirely to cutaneous cytology and, in this sense, is a literary landmark. Dermatopathology has become an increasingly important discipline for the dermatologist, but little attention has been paid to cytology. Professor Ruocco has attempted to fill this void. As the author points out, the textbook is not merely translated from Italian, but is rewritten in clear and easy-to-read English. Most of the terms used are standard, and synonyms are listed when appropriate. The contents include a general section that covers basic technique, fixation, and staining. What follows is a specialized section including (1) normal cytology; (2) papules and nodules, primarily neoplasms; and (3) vesicles and bullae, including some discussion of immunofluorescence microscopy. A wide variety of lesions is covered, each usually illustrated by one or more color photomicrographs with a corresponding short discussion. Unfortunately, the book has several shortcomings. The