Decoy cells are urothelial cells infected by polyomaviruses, most commonly the BK virus, that exhibit cytopathic changes mimicking high-grade urothelial carcinoma. These cells are characterized by marked nuclear enlargement, high nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio, homogeneous, glassy, or smudgy chromatin, and sometimes prominent basophilic intranuclear inclusions that fill the nucleus. The term 'decoy' reflects their potential to deceive cytologists into a false-positive diagnosis of cancer. They are frequently seen in immunocompromised patients, such as renal transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy. Distinguishing decoy cells from malignant cells requires careful attention to clinical context, chromatin pattern, and possibly ancillary tests like immunohistochemistry for SV40 large T antigen.

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Zambia

• Naomi Miselo – 31 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies