The Korean Society for Cytopathology has conducted the Continuous Quality Improvement program for cytopathology laboratories in Korea since 1995. In 2018 as part of the program, an annual survey of cytologic data was administered to determine the current status of cytopathology practices in Korea. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to 211 cytopathology laboratories. Individual laboratories submitted their annual statistics regarding cytopathology practices, diagnoses of gynecologic samples, inadequacy rates, and gynecologic cytology-histology correlation review (CHCR) data for 2018. In addition, proficiency tests and sample adequacy assessments were conducted using five consequent gynecologic slides. Results: Over 10 million cytologic exams were performed in 2018, and this number has almost tripled since this survey was first conducted in 2004 (compounded annual growth rate of 7.2%). The number of non-gynecologic samples has increased gradually over time and comprised 24% of all exams. The overall unsatisfactory rate was 0.14%. The ratio of the cases with atypical squamous cells to squamous intraepithelial lesions accounted for up to 4.24. The major discrepancy rate of the CHCR in gynecologic samples was 0.52%. In the proficiency test, the major discrepancy rate was approximately 1%. In the sample adequacy assessment, a discrepancy was observed in 0.1% of cases. Conclusions: This study represents the current status of cytopathology practices in Korea, illustrating the importance of the Continuous Quality Improvement program for increasing the accuracy and credibility of cytopathologic exams as well as developing national cancer exam guidelines and government projects on the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Background: The Continuous Quality Improvement program for cytopathology in 2020 was completed during the coronavirus pandemic. In this study, we report the result of the quality improvement program. Methods: Data related to cytopathology practice from each institute were collected and processed at the web-based portal. The proficiency test was conducted using glass slides and whole-slide images (WSIs). Evaluation of the adequacy of gynecology (GYN) slides from each institution and submission of case glass slides and WSIs for the next quality improvement program were performed. Results: A total of 214 institutions participated in the annual cytopathology survey in 2020. The number of entire cytopathology specimens was 8,220,650, a reduction of 19.0% from the 10,111,755 specimens evaluated in 2019. Notably, the number of respiratory cytopathology specimens, including sputum and bronchial washing/ brushing significantly decreased by 86.9% from 2019, which could be attributed to the global pandemic of coronavirus disease. The ratio of cases with atypical squamous cells to squamous intraepithelial lesions was 4.10. All participating institutions passed the proficiency test and the evaluation of adequacy of GYN slides. Conclusions Through the Continuous Quality Improvement program, the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, manifesting with a reduction in the number of cytologic examinations, especially in respiratory-related specimen has been identified. The Continuous Quality Improvement Program of the Korean Society for Cytopathology can serve as the gold standard to evaluate the current status of cytopathology practice in Korea.

Macrophagic myofasciitis (MMF) is a rare disease, often associated with the pathological persistence of aluminum hydroxide used in some vaccines, and is characterized by macrophage infiltration of the muscle. We report a case of MMF, initially thought to be a metastatic infection. A 38-year-old woman presented with fever, as well as pain and weakness in both thighs. On physical examination both thighs were swollen and lower-extremity motor-power was decreased to grade III. Laboratory tests showed leukocytosis and elevation of acute phase reactants, but all muscle enzymes except lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were within normal range. Initially metastatic infection was suspected but she was diagnosed with MMF by muscle biopsy showing heavy CD68 positive macrophage infiltration. Her myalgia and muscle weakness improved after systemic steroid treatment. This case suggests that MMF might be considered for a patient with unexplained inflammatory myopathy with or without a history of vaccination.
Acute-Phase Proteins ; Adult ; Aluminum Hydroxide ; Biopsy ; Fasciitis ; Female ; Fever ; Humans ; Hydroxides ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Leukocytosis ; Macrophages ; Muscle Weakness ; Muscles ; Myositis ; Physical Examination ; Rare Diseases ; Reference Values ; Thigh ; Vaccination ; Vaccines