Histopathology, Immunohistochemistry, Cytology, Haematology, transfusion Medicine
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Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Histopathological correlation with molecular classification of breast carcinoma in a rural population of Pune Maharashtra, India Pallavi Chaudhari, Vivek Dugad, Shruti Vimal Discover Oncology, 2026 Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among women globally, with an increasing incidence in countries like India. Despite the established histopathological classification of breast cancer, its heterogeneity poses challenges in predicting patient outcomes and selecting appropriate treatments. Recent advancements in molecular biology have led to the development of molecular subtypes of breast cancer, which provide a more precise prognostic assessment. This study aims to correlate histopathological features with molecular subtypes using immunohistochemical (IHC) markers to improve the accuracy of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted on 500 primary breast carcinoma patients diagnosed between January 2020 and January 2024. Patients were categorized based on clinical features, histopathological findings, and molecular subtypes determined by IHC markers for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2, Ki67, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and CK 5/6. The molecular subtypes identified included Luminal A, Luminal B, HER2-enriched, and Basal-like (triple-negative), with histopathological features such as tumor grade, size, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and lymph node involvement also recorded. Showed that Luminal A tumors were associated with lower tumor grades, smaller sizes, and less aggressive features. In contrast, HER2-enriched and Basal-like subtypes demonstrated more aggressive behavior, with higher tumor grades, larger sizes, and increased rates of metastasis. Statistically significant correlations were found between molecular subtypes and histopathological features (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical markers like HER2, Ki67, and EGFR were key in determining tumor aggressiveness and treatment planning. This study emphasizes integrating molecular subtyping with histopathological evaluation to personalize breast cancer treatment. By identifying the molecular characteristics of tumors, clinicians can optimize therapeutic strategies, reduce unnecessary chemotherapy, and improve patient outcomes. These findings advocate for using molecular profiling in clinical practice to enhance breast cancer diagnosis and treatment strategies.
NUT Carcinoma of the Lacrimal Apparatus Presenting as a Rapidly Enlarging Medial Canthal Mass: A Case Report Pratiksha Vidhe Sharma, Harshala H. Lokhande, Shruti Vimal International Journal of Surgical Pathology, 2026 Introduction NUT carcinoma (NC) is a rare, aggressive squamous-lineage malignancy characterized by NUTM1 gene rearrangement and distinctive nuclear NUT expression by immunohistochemistry. Ocular adnexal involvement is exceptional. Patient presentation A 26-year-old woman presented with redness, pruritus, and a large nasal canthal mass obstructing vision in the left eye. Examination showed a 4 × 3 cm lacrimal mass extending into the extraconal orbit with extraocular muscle compression. Histology showed nests of small round blue cells with crush artifact and abrupt keratinization. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated diffuse pan-keratin, p63, p40, and speckled nuclear NUTM1 positivity; CD99 and NKX2.2 were negative—confirming NC. Conclusion Lacrimal sac/gland NC should be considered in rapidly enlarging medial canthal masses in young patients. Prompt biopsy with IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY for NUT and early multidisciplinary management are critical.
Usefulness of Fine needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis of soft tissue tumors and its correlation with histopathological features Madhuri Dindalkoppa, Prajna K. Shetty, U. S. Dinesh, Shruti Vimal, Anita P. Javalgi Cytojournal, 2026 Objective: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a standard diagnostic tool and has several advantages which are specific to soft tissue tumors (STT). STT arises from non-epithelial and extra-skeletal tissue of the body, excluding the reticuloendothelial system, glia, and supporting tissues of organs. Primary STTs are very rare and encompass a wide range of different tumor types; therefore, the classification and diagnosis remain complex. If the tumor is diagnosed as benign, surgery may not be necessary. However, in the case of malignancy, a cytological diagnosis allows for the initiation of palliative treatment. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of FNAC in the diagnosis of STT by sub classifying them based on their cytology features and finally correlating their FNAC findings with histopathological results with special reference to immunohistochemistry (IHC) in diagnostic challenging cases. Material and Methods: It was a hospital-based retrospective study conducted in a tertiary care center, over a period of 2 years, i.e., from July 2016 to May 2018. After obtaining approval from the ethics committee of the institution, the study was carried out. All STT cases subjected to FNAC followed by incisional, excisional, or core needle biopsy or complete resection for histopathological examination were studied. The slides of these patients were retrieved and reviewed to establish a proper diagnosis. IHC was carried out in most cases whenever there was a diagnostic dilemma. Results: In our study, among 50 patients who presented with STT, 40 were benign, and 10 were malignant. The median age of incidence was 41, and male-to-female ratio was 0.85:1. The most common site was the trunk. There were four discordant cases, and the final evaluation of all results showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value of tests, and negative predictive value of tests of FNAC as 100%, 76.92%, 92.5%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusion: In STT, most were benign tumors, with lipomas being the most common among them. While benign and malignant were easy to diagnose, intermediate spindle cell tumors were often missed on cytology. These intermediate tumors represent the diagnostic “grey zone.” With increasing experience, STT can be diagnosed more accurately. FNAC is therefore a standard pre-operative diagnostic tool and a reliable alternative to open biopsy for diagnosing STT.
Linezolid: A Strategic Approach to Antimicrobial Therapy Shruti Vimal, Shradha Yadav, Madhura Bhosle Medical Journal of Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, 2025 Linezolid is a synthetic antibiotic that is used for the treatment of infections caused by aerobic Gram-positive bacteria. Its effects are bacteriostatic against both enterococci and staphylococci and bactericidal against most isolates of streptococci. It exerts its antibacterial activity by inhibiting the initiation of bacterial protein synthesis—more specifically, it binds to the 23S ribosomal RNA of the 50S subunit and prevents the formation of the 70S initiation complex which is essential for bacterial reproduction. We present here a case report of a 70-year-old female patient with a known case of diabetes mellitus (DM) with scleroderma and diagnosed with bilateral (BL) metastatic carcinoma breast. The patient had developed a shoulder abscess which was positive for methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus for which she was prescribed linezolid and had various manifestations which are being discussed here.
A Comparative Analysis of Small Group Learning (SGL) and Problem‑Based Learning (PBL) Approaches in Digital Museum Sessions Shruti Vimal, Vidya Viswanathan Medical Journal of Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, 2025 Aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate and compare the efficacy of small group learning (SGL) and problem-based learning (PBL) methodologies in museum sessions that have been enhanced with digital technologies. Methods: The study takes a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data from pre- and post-assessments with qualitative insights gleaned from participant observations and feedback. Participants were engaged in both SGL and PBL sessions in a traditional and digital museum setting. Results: Preliminary findings reveal distinct advantages and challenges for each pedagogical approach. PBL improves critical thinking and knowledge retention, whereas SGL encourages collaborative problem-solving skills. Digital museum elements help to create immersive and interactive learning experiences in both methods. Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the comparative efficacy of SGL and PBL in digital museum sessions, with implications for developing effective educational strategies that use digital technologies to improve learning outcomes.
Teaching and Learning Pathology: A Change in Approach can make the Difference Shruti Vimal, Vidya Viswanathan, Rahul Nair Medical Journal of Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, 2024 Background: Pathology has been known as a bridging subject in the medical curriculum. However, in view of the post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era the significance of general physician and primary caregiver cannot be denied. So, a basic change is a curriculum, and making the subject more clinically and practice oriented is a necessity we must oblige. With advanced planning, we bought a few changes in the teaching and learning methodologies of pathology. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study. It was conducted to understand the importance of pathology, its significance as a bridging subject from the perspective of students, and the impact the change in teaching and learning methods can bring. We planned and adopted newer teaching and learning methods in various headings, and an extensive questionnaire was prepared, which was pre-validated. The internal consistency was measured by Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Results: The students had a mixed perception of pathology, and they found it difficult (51%), lengthy (70%), and interesting (67%). The integration and alignment of the subjects helped the students. The various tools of blended learning incorporated by us with didactic lectures also got a positive response from the students. Small group teaching and skills training have taken a new dynamism in current trends. The students could relate well to exercises of hematology, blood banking, and papanicolaou stain (PAP) smear conduct and assessment. We created a virtual museum, which was appreciated by 95% of the students. Conclusion: The study emphasized the fact that with advances in technology and changing trends a more comprehensive approach to teaching and learning is the need of the hour. Blended learning, small group, and interactive teaching will help make the undergraduate medical student of today a sound clinician of tomorrow.
Dengue and Typhoid co-infection Study Shruti Vimal, Vidya Vishwanathan, Arpana Dharwadker Journal of Medical Pharmaceutical and Allied Sciences, 2022 Undifferentiated acute febrile illness is a common presentation specially during monsoons in India.The overlapping presentations of arboviruses and vector borne diseases have been noted in endemic areas with increasing incidences. There have been rare reports of these presentations with overlapping symptoms making the final nailing of diagnosis further difficult. The exact incidence of dengue and typhoid co-infection is not known and the similarity of symptoms, makes accurate clinical diagnosis and treatment difficult without a laboratory confirmation. Meticulous history taking, careful clinical examination and right choice of laboratory tests for the diagnosis of these co-infections not only helps in timely diagnosis but also prevents fatal outcomes. Keywords: Concurrent infection, Dengue, Febrile, Typhoid.
An unusual case of gastric lymphoma presenting as linitus plastica Vidya Vishwanathan, Aditi Malhotra, Arpana Dharwadkar, Shruti Vimal, Charusheela Gore, Harsh Kumar Medical Journal of Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, 2021 Disorders of the stomach are frequently seen as clinical diseases. Of all the lesions of the stomach, inflammatory conditions and neoplastic lesions are most common. Primary malignant lymphoma of the stomach accounts for only a small percentage (about 10%) of all malignant tumors of the stomach, and majority of them arise from B-cells. Most common among these are indolent extranodal marginal zone lymphomas, and in the stomach, they are called MALTomas. Occasionally, gastric lymphomas of one type or another are seen adjacent to adenocarcinoma. Sometimes, lymphoma precedes carcinoma by several years. The aim was to study the microscopic patterns of gastric biopsies and mastectomy specimens received for the case in our department. Multiple gastric biopsy specimens as well as gastrectomy specimens were received in our department. Multiple sections were taken and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemical (IHC) stains were used as applicable. Studies posed a diagnostic difficulty by showing picture of gastritis from biopsy of the cardia; signet ring cell adenocarcinoma was seen in small gastrointestinal biopsies from lesser curvature and gastric lymphoma with gross picture of linitis plastica on gastrectomy specimen. For confirmation and to know the type of gastric lymphoma, multiple B- and T-cell IHC markers were used. CD20, CD10, BCL2, and c-Myc were positive in tumor cells, CD3 positivity was seen in reactive T-cells, and MIB1 positivity was seen in 70%–75% of tumor cells. Hence, it was confirmed to be high-grade large cell lymphoma (double-expresser type). Hence, it can be concluded that IHC markers are necessary to solve the diagnostic difficulties.
Assessment and reliability of suspect flags in automated hematology analyzers for diagnosing white blood cell and platelet disorders ArchanaC Buch, Namrata Patro, MuktaD Naik, Shruti Vimal, ShirishS Chandanwale Medical Journal of Dr D Y Patil Vidyapeeth, 2020 Background: The automated hematology analyzers have replaced the traditional manual methods for assessing hematological parameters. Most of the automated hematology analyzers are programmed to identify abnormalities in the form of “suspect flags.” Aims: The aim of the study was to correlate white blood cell (WBC) and platelet (PLT) flag messages provided by automated analyzers with their respective peripheral blood smear (PBS) findings. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken on 100 patients who showed WBC and PLT suspect flags and/or abnormal peripheral smears. The flag messages were analyzed with their respective PBS findings. Pearson's Chi-square test was used for the statistical analysis. Results: Analyzer and PBS showed WBC defects (n = 46, 32), PLT defects (n = 39, 54), and combined defects (n = 36, 43) respectively. WBC defects included leukocytosis (n = 27, 22), leukopenia (n = 20, 18), immature granulocytes (n = 10, 3), left shift (n = 3, 2), myeloblast blast (n = 2, 1), and eosinophilia (n = 4, 4) on analyzer and PBS. Correlation between the WBC suspect flags and their peripheral smears was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.006). PLT defects included thrombocytopenia (n = 22, 30), thrombocytosis (n = 13, 17), giant PLTs (n = 10, 15), PLT clumps (n = 8, 12), and PLT debris (n = 2, 5) on analyzer and PBS. Correlation between the PLT characteristics in analyzers and in peripheral smears was statistically significant (P = 0.042). Conclusion: Suspect flags should be used as a screening tool to pick up pathological samples. These should then be followed up with a PBS examination for definitive diagnosis.
