Amylase crystalloids in salivary gland lesions: Report of a case with a review of the literature

• Published in: Diagnostic cytopathology 2001-07, Vol.25 (1), p.59-62
• Main Authors: López-Ríos, Fernando, Díaz-Bustamante, Teresa, Serrano-Egea, A., Jiménez, Juan, de Agustín, Pedro
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: amylase; Amylases - metabolism; Biological and medical sciences; Crystalloid Solutions; crystalloids; cytology; Female; fine-needle aspiration; Humans; Isotonic Solutions; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Parotid Diseases - metabolism; Parotid Diseases - pathology; Parotid Gland - metabolism; Parotid Gland - pathology; Plasma Substitutes - metabolism; salivary gland; Salivary Gland Calculi - diagnosis; Salivary Gland Calculi - metabolism; Salivary Gland Calculi - pathology; Tumors; Upper respiratory tract, upper alimentary tract, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands: diseases, semeiology
• ISSN: 8755-1039; 1097-0339
• DOI: 10.1002/dc.2003

Several types of crystalloids may be found in fine‐needle aspiration cytology of salivary gland lesions. Amylase crystalloids (sometimes referred to as nontyrosine crystalloids) are tabular structures with frequent pointed ends that have received little attention until recent years. We report on a parotid cyst containing the latter type of crystalloids in a 51‐yr‐old white woman. The cytologic and radiologic findings were diagnostic of sialolithiasis. To the best of our knowledge, amylase crystalloids have been observed only in benign salivary gland lesions. Although this statement may be helpful in the diagnostic workup of patients presenting with parotid lumps, we do not recommend rendering a specific diagnosis based on the presence of such crystalloids. Good clinical and radiological correlation, as well as close follow‐up, is mandatory in this setting. Diagn. Cytopathol. 25:59–62, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.