Fine needle non-aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of cervical lymph node tuberculosis: a single center experience / Punção não aspirativa com agulha fina para o diagnóstico de tuberculose linfonodal cervical: experiência de centro único

Abstract Introduction: The fine-needle cytology is being used as a first line of investigation in the diagnosis of head and neck swellings, as it is simple, cost effective and less invasive as compared to biopsy. Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate the results of the fine-needle non-aspiration cytology of cervical lymphadenopathy and to study the factors influencing the rate of non-diagnosis results. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on selected patients with cervical lymphadenopathy that had undergone a fine-needle non-aspiration cytology followed by a histological biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of fine-needle non-aspiration cytology for diagnosing tuberculosis were estimated. The risk factors of non-diagnosis results were evaluated. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value rates of fine-needle non-aspiration cytology for tuberculosis were 83.3%, 83.3%, 78.9% and 86.9% respectively. In total, 47 out of the 131 samples (35.8%) were considered non-diagnosis. Of the non-diagnosis samples, 84.2% (38 out of 47) were benign mostly due to tuberculosis (30 cases). Among the studied factors, only tuberculosis (confirmed by histopathological examination) was significantly associated with non-diagnosis cytology (p = 0.02, Odds-Ratio = 2.35). Conclusion: Tuberculosis is currently the commonest cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in North Africa. Fine-needle non-aspiration cytology is safe and accurate in the diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymph node that is associated with the risk of non-diagnosis cytology.

Resumo Introdução: A punção não aspirativa com agulha fina tem sido utilizada como primeira linha de investigação no diagnóstico de tumores de cabeça e pescoço, por ser uma técnica simples, custo-efetiva e menos invasiva quando comparada à biópsia. Objetivo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os resultados de citologia por punção não-aspirativa com agulha fina de linfadenopatias cervicais e estudar os fatores que influenciam a taxa de falha diagnóstica. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo foi realizado em pacientes selecionados com linfadenopatia cervical submetidos a punção não aspirativa com agulha fina, seguida por biópsia histológica. Foram estimadas a sensibilidade, especificidade, o valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo da punção não aspirativa com agulha fina para o diagnóstico de tuberculose. Os fatores de risco dos resultados com falha diagnóstica foram avaliados. Resultados: As taxas de sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo da punção não aspirativa com agulha fina para tuberculose foram de 83,3%, 83,3%, 78,9% e 86,9%, respectivamente. Das 131 amostras, 47 (35,8%) foram consideradas como falha diagnóstica. Das amostras não diagnosticadas, 84,2% (38 de 47) eram benignas, principalmente devido à tuberculose (30 casos). Entre os fatores estudados, apenas a tuberculose (confirmada pelo exame histopatológico) estava significativamente associada à citologia com falha diagnóstica (p = 0,02, odds ratio = 2,35). Conclusão: A tuberculose é atualmente a causa mais comum de linfadenopatia cervical no norte da África. A punção não aspirativa com agulha fina é uma técnica segura e precisa no diagnóstico de linfonodos cervicais associados ao risco de citologia com falha diagnóstica.

De la escrófula a la linfoadenitis micobacteriana / From scrophula to mycobacterial lymphadenitis

Resumen En el siglo XIX se pensaba que la tuberculosis y la tumefacción ganglionar cervical llamada escrófula afectaban a individuos predispuestos por una "constitución diatésica" heredada. En 1882 Robert Koch demostró que lesiones tuberculosas y escrofulosas humanas eran causadas por el bacilo Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A principios del siglo XX se estableció que Mycobacterium bovis, bacilo de la tuberculosis del ganado, podía también causar linfoadenitis cervical en humanos, especialmente en niños, por la ingestión de leche de vacas enfermas. La condición disminuyó después que se controló la infección en el ganado y se introdujo la pasteurización de la leche. En 1956 se describió la linfoadenitis cervicofacial granulomatosa necrosante y supurada causada por micobacterias no tuberculosas. Afecta principalmente a niños bajo los cinco años, especialmente en países sin endemia de tuberculosis. Las linfoadenitis cervicales tuberculosas predominan en adultos jóvenes en países con tuberculosis endémica y en individuos infectados por VIH.

In the 19th century it was widely believed that both tuberculosis and cervical lymph node swelling, known as scrophula, affected individuals predisposed to an inherited "diathetic constitution". In 1882 Robert Koch proved that human tuberculosis and scrophulous lesions were caused by the bacillus Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the early twentieth century it was stated that Mycobacterium bovis, the bacillus of cattle tuberculosis, could also cause cervical lymphoadenitis in humans, especially in children, by the intake of milk from sick cows. The incidence of this condition decreased after the infection was controlled in cattle and pasteurization of the milk was introduced. A type of granulomatous necrotizing and suppurative cervico-facial lymphadenitis associated to non-tuberculous mycobacteria was described in 1956. It mainly affects children younger than 5 years old, particularly those born in countries with non-endemic tuberculosis. Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis is prevalent in young adults from tuberculosis-endemic countries and in HIV-infected subjects. Infectious etiology displaced the importance of a personal disposition in the development of scrophula. Nevertheless, mutations that confer susceptibility to mycobacterial infection are currently investigated.

Tuberculosis como causa de adenopatías cervicales / Tuberculosis as a cervical lymphadenopathy cause

La tuberculosis (TBC) es una enfermedad infecto-contagiosa de distribución mundial causada por Mycobacterium tuberculosis, y otras micobacterias atípicas. La afectación ganglionar es tardía y sus manifestaciones clínicas asociadas suelen ser inespecíficas, por eso, el diagnóstico de tuberculosis ganglionar a menudo se retrasa y es un hallazgo inesperado en numerosas ocasiones. Este artículo pretende realizar una revisión bibliográfica sobre la tuberculosis ganglionar y hacer hincapié en que la TBC ha de ser tenida en cuenta como diagnóstico diferencial en las masas cervicales, que muchas veces se presentan con escasa sintomatología acompañante. En este artículo presentamos dos casos de TBC ganglionar diagnosticados en nuestro servicio en los últimos meses, ambos casos se manifestaron exclusivamente como masa cervical de crecimiento lento, sin síntomas pulmonares acompañante y fueron diagnosticados de TBC tras el estudio anatomopatológico resultante de la exéresis quirúrgica de la lesión.

The tuberculosis (TB) is an infect-contagious worldwide distribution disease caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis and other atypical Mycobacteria. Lymph node involvement is late, and its associated clinical manifestations are usually unspecifics, therefore the diagnosis of tuberculosis lymph node is often delayed and is an unexpected finding in numerous occasions. This article aims to carry out a literature review of lymph node tuberculosis and to emphasize that TB must be taken into account as differential diagnosis in cervical masses, which often occur with few associated symptoms. In this article we present two cases of lymph node TB diagnosed in our department in last months, both cases presented exclusively as cervical mass of slow growth, without any accompanying pulmonary symptoms and were diagnosed as TB after the surgical removal of the lesion and its histopathological study.

Historia de la escrófula: de la discrasia humoral a la consunción / History of scrofula: from humoral dyscrasia to consumption

The term “scrofula” was used for a long time to designate a chronic swelling of cervical lymph nodes. This paper outlines the prevalent ideas on the nature, pathogenesis and the treatment of this disorder, from classical Greek medicine up to the 18th century. A Hippocratic treatise regarded scrofula as produced by an accumulation of phlegm, with a consequent imbalance or dyscrasia of the body humors. It was believed that it could heal spontaneously; but it could also soften, open through the skin and have an obstinate course. The treatment consisted mainly on local applications, incision to evacuate the soft content, or extirpation of the abnormal mass. In France and England, crowds of scrofulous patients were touched by the kings who were supposed to have a hereditary miraculous power to cure the disease. A Medieval text mentioned that scrofula could also affect other parts of the body. In the 17th century, scrofula was reputed as a frequent condition and was attributed to blood acrimony which coagulated in spongy organs. It was associated to phthisis or consumption due to the lethal outcome in some patients and to a cheese-like appearance of the pulmonary and the scrofulous lesions.

Tuberculosis axillary lymph node coexistent breast cancer in adjuvant treatment: case report / Tuberculose linfonodal axilar coexistente com carcinoma mamário em tratamento adjuvante: relato de caso

Coexistence of breast cancer and tuberculosis is rare. In most cases, involvement by tuberculosis occurs in axillary lymph nodes. We report a case of a 43-years-old patient who had undergone adenomastectomy and left sentinel lymph node biopsy due to a triple negative ductal carcinoma. At the end of adjuvant treatment, the patient had an atypical lymph node in the left axilla. Lymph node was excised, and after laboratory analysis, the diagnosis was ganglion tuberculosis. The patient underwent treatment for primary tuberculosis. The development of these two pathologies can lead to problems in diagnosis and treatment. An accurate diagnosis is important to avoid unnecessary surgical procedures.

A coexistência de câncer de mama e tuberculose é rara. Na maioria das vezes, o acometimento pela tuberculose ocorre nos linfonodos axilares. Relatamos caso clínico de paciente de 43 anos submetida à adenomastectomia e à biópsia de linfonodo sentinela à esquerda devido a um carcinoma ductal triplo negativo. Ao final do tratamento adjuvante, a paciente apresentou linfonodomegalia atípica em axila esquerda. Foi realizado exérese do linfonodo e, após análises laboratoriais, diagnosticou-se tuberculose ganglionar. A paciente foi submetida a tratamento para tuberculose primária. O desenvolvimento dessas duas patologias pode acarretar problemas quanto ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento. O diagnóstico acurado é importante para evitar procedimentos cirúrgicos desnecessários.

Comparison of Ultrasonographic Findings of Biopsy-Proven Tuberculous Lymphadenitis and Kikuchi Disease

OBJECTIVE: Although tuberculous lymphadenitis and Kikuchi disease are common causes of cervical lymphadenopathy in Asians and exhibit similar clinical manifestations, their treatment strategies are totally different. The purpose of this study was to identify ultrasonographic features that distinguish these two diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. The study included 77 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis and 135 patients with Kikuchi disease. The sex and age distributions of the patients were analyzed. The size and shape of lymph nodes (LNs), presence of conglomeration, increased perinodal echogenicity, echogenic hilum, posterior neck involvement, internal calcification, patterns of internal necrosis, laterality of involved LNs, and hilar vascular patterns on ultrasonography were compared between the two groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent findings to discriminate tuberculous lymphadenitis from Kikuchi disease. Finally, diagnostic accuracies were calculated using the independent findings. RESULTS: The presence of an echogenic hilum, internal calcification, patterns of internal necrosis, and LN hilar vascular structures on power Doppler ultrasonography were independent findings that discriminated tuberculous lymphadenitis from Kikuchi disease. The diagnostic accuracy of each of these four factors was 84.9% (181/212), 76.9% (163/212), 84% (178/212), and 89.2% (189/212), respectively. A combination of internal calcification and hilar vascular structures showed the best accuracy of 89.6% (190/212) (sensitivity, 86.7% [117/135]; specificity, 94.8% [73/77]) for diagnosing Kikuchi disease. CONCLUSION: The presence of an echogenic hilum, internal calcification, pattern of internal necrosis, and LN hilar vascular structures are useful ultrasonographic findings to differentiate tuberculous lymphadenitis from Kikuchi disease.

Escrófula facial en paciente pediátrico / Facialscrofula in pediatric patient

El escrofuloderma es una tuberculosis subcutánea que origina abscesos fríos y destrucción secundaria de la piel suprayacente, resultado de la extensión a la piel de un foco contiguo, por lo general linfático u óseo. Con frecuencia va a la fistulización y es de evolución crónica, a menudo de años, aunque puede ocurrir curación espontánea. El escrofuloderma es la forma clínica más frecuente de la tuberculosis cutánea. Se presenta el caso de una niña de cinco años de edad con nódulos en la región parotídea izquierda de cuatro meses de evolución, acompañado de sensación de alza térmica, con PPD de 27 mm, radiografía de tórax normal y confirmación bacteriológica de Mycobacterium tuberculosis por cultivo en medio de Lowenstein-Jensen. Se indicó tratamiento con isoniazida, rifampicina, piraslnamida y etambutol por seis meses (esquema l-Programa de Control de Tuberculosis) con remisión de lesiones. Este caso de una paciente con escrofuloderma facial, cuya forma de presentación implica varias posibilidades diagnósticas, constituye un reto importante para el especialista.

The scrofuloderma (SD) is a subcutaneous tuberculosis originating cold abscesses and secondary destruction of skin overlying, result of the extension to the skin of a contiguous focus; usually lymphatic or bone, with frequent fistulization and chronic evolution, often years, spontaneous healing, it is the most common clinical form of cutaneous tuberculosis. We present the case of a girl of 5 years of age with nodules in 4 months left parotid region, accompanied by feeling of thermal soaring with PPD 27 mm, x-ray chest normal and bacteriological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by crop Lowenstein-Jensen. Treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for 6 months (diagram l-program of Tuberculosis Control) was indicated with remission of lesions. This case of a patient with facial SD, whose way of presentation implies several potential diagnostic being a major for the specialist challenge.

Tuberculose lymphonodale cervicale chez les enfants vaccines par le BCG

La tuberculose ganglionnaire cervicale est une localisation extrapulmonaire relativement frequente chez l'enfant. Elle pose essentiellement des difficultes de prevention. L'objectif de ce travail est d'etudier les particularites diagnostiques et therapeutiques chez des enfants vaccines par le BCG. Materiel et methodes: Notre etude retrospective porte sur 23 cas de tuberculose ganglionnaire chez des enfants vaccines; colliges sur une periode de 10 ans allant de 2002 a 2011. Resultats : La moyenne d'age des enfants etait de 8 ans. Le delai de consultation etait en moyenne de 1 mois. Seize enfants presentaient une polyadenopathie cervicale bilaterale. L'echographie cervicale a objective une necrose intra ganglionnaire dans 17 cas. Le diagnostic de tuberculose ganglionnaire a ete confirme par l'examen anatomopathologique d'une piece d'adenectomie dans tous les cas. Aucun des enfants n'a presente de forme grave ou compliquee. Un traitement antituberculeux selon le schema national a ete instaure dans tous les cas. L'evolution a ete favorable dans tous les cas. Conclusion : Malgre tous les efforts deployes par notre pays pour la lutte contre la tuberculose; cette derniere sevit toujours a l'etat endemique. La vaccination par le BCG a permis de diminuer considerablement le nombre des formes graves mais ne protege pas parfaitement contre cette maladie

Perforating granuloma annulare mimicking papulonecrotic tuberculid / Granuloma anular perfurante simulando tuberculide papulo-necrotica

A case is reported of a patient presenting lymph node tuberculosis and cutaneous lesions resembling papulonecrotic tuberculid, but histologically compatible with perforating granuloma annulare and which responded satisfactorily to antituberculous therapy. This is probably one of the first reports of the association of perforating granuloma annulare and tuberculosis, and it is important therefore to highlight the relevance of this disorder in the differential diagnosis of papulonecrotic tuberculid and to raise the hypothesis that this entity should also be considered to be a variant of tuberculid.

Os autores relatam o caso de uma paciente com tuberculose ganglionar e lesões cutâneas clinicamente sugestivas de tubercúlide pápulo-necrótica, porém com histopatologia compatível com granuloma anular perfurante, e que apresentaram melhora após tratamento para a tuberculose. Trata-se, possivelmente, de um dos primeiros relatos da associação de granuloma anular perfurante com tuberculose, salientando a importância desta entidade no diagnóstico diferencial da tubercúlide pápulo-necrótica e levantando a possibilidade da mesma ser considerada, também, uma variante de tubercúlide.

Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis in a Well Managed Case of Sarcoidosis.

Differentiation between tuberculosis (TB) and sarcoidoisis is sometimes extremely difficult. Sequential occurrence of sarcoidosis and TB in the same patient is uncommon. We present the case of a young man, with a proven diagnosis of sarcoidosis who later developed TB after completion of treatment for sarcoidosis. A 32-year-old male patient presented with low-grade fever since two months. Physical examination revealed cervical lymphadenopathy. Initial fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the cervical lymph node was suggestive of granulomatous inflammation; the chest radiograph was normal. Repeat FNAC from the same lymph node was suggestive of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. The patient was treated with antibiotics and followed-up. He again presented with persistence of fever and lymphadenopathy and blurring of vision. Ophthalmological examination revealed uveitis, possibly due to a granulomatous cause. His repeat Mantoux test again was non-reactive; serum angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) levels were raised. This time an excision biopsy of the lymph node was done which revealed discrete, non-caseating, reticulin rich granulomatous inflammation suggestive of sarcoidosis. The patient was treated with oral prednisolone and imporved symptomatically. Subsequently, nearly nine months after completion of corticosteroid treatment, he presented with low-grade, intermittent fever and a lymph node enlargement in the right parotid region. FNAC from this lymph node showed caseating granulomatous inflammation and the stain for acid-fast bacilli was positive. He was treated with Category I DOTS under the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme and improved significantly. The present case highlights the need for further research into the aetiology of TB and sarcoidosis.

HIV-associated tuberculous lymphadenitis: the importance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a complementary tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis - a study of 104 patients / Linfadenite tuberculosa associada ao HIV: a importância da reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) como ferramenta complementar para o diagnóstico da tuberculose - estudo de 104 pacientes

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenitis is common in HIV-positive patients. Diagnosis of the infections associated with this condition is complex, particularly in the case of tuberculosis. Rapid and specific detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is fundamental in ensuring adequate treatment. In addition, frequent causes of lymphadenitis such as those associated with lymphoma and histoplasmosis, among others, must be eliminated as possible causes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of polymerase chain reaction as a tool for the diagnosis of lymphadenitis resulting from M. tuberculosis. METHODS: In this study, a protocol was developed using the following procedures: direct microscopy using Ziehl-Neelsen staining, culture in Lowenstein-Jensen medium, histology and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included in the study. According to histopathology, 38 patients (36 percent) were found to have nonspecific chronic lymphadenitis, 27 (26 percent) had tuberculous lymphadenitis, 11 patients (10.5 percent) had lymphoma and 9 (8.7 percent) had histoplasmosis. When Lowenstein-Jensen culture was performed, positive tests for tuberculous lymphadenitis increased by 30 percent. With polymerase chain reaction, M. tuberculosis DNA was detected in 6 out of 38 samples of non-specific chronic lymphadenitis. Three of these patients were followed up, developed symptoms of tuberculosis and were cured following specific treatment. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study suggest that all cases of lymphadenopathies should be submitted to histopathology, Lowenstein-Jensen or Ogawa culture and polymerase chain reaction. Polymerase chain reaction may prove to be useful in providing an early and accurate detection of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients with lymphadenopathies, avoiding empirical treatment and the possible development of resistant strains.

FUNDAMENTOS: A linfadenite é comum em pacientes HIV-positivos. O diagnóstico das infecções associadas a essa condição é complexo, especialmente em relação à tuberculose. A detecção rápida e específica do Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) é essencial para o tratamento adequado. Além disso, frequentes causas de linfadenites tais como as relacionadas a linfoma, histoplasmose, e outras, devem ser afastadas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a importância da biópsia cirúrgica excisional das linfadenites e realização dos exames histopatológicos, exames baciloscópicos (Ziehl-Neelsen), cultura (Lowenstein-Jensen) e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) com finalidade diagnostica MÉTODOS: Desenvolveu-se um protocolo para biópsias excisionais de linfonodos, adotando-se os seguintes procedimentos: exame direto de esfregaços corados pelo método de Ziehl-Neelsen, cultura em meio de Lowenstein-Jensen, exame anátomo-patológico e PCR. RESULTADOS: Ao todo foram incluídos 104 pacientes, e o exame histopatológico evidenciou 36 por cento (n = 38 pacientes) de casos de linfadenite crônica inespecífica, 26 por cento (n = 27) de linfadenite tuberculosa, 10,5 por cento (n =11) de linfoma e 8,7 por cento (n = 9) de histoplasmose. Através da cultura no meio de Lowenstein-Jensen, os casos positivos para linfadenite tuberculosa aumentaram para 30 por cento. A PCR detectou M. tuberculosis em 6 das 38 amostras de linfadenite crônica inespecífica. Três desses pacientes foram acompanhados, exibiram sintomas de tuberculose e foram curados após tratamento específico. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos neste trabalho sugerem que em todos os casos de linfadenopatia deve-se realizar exame histopatológico, cultura em Lowenstein-Jensen ou Ogawa e reação em cadeia da polimerase. A reação em cadeia da polimerase pode ser útil na detecção precoce e acurada de casos de TB extrapulmonar nos pacientes HIV-positivos com linfadenopatias, evitando-se o uso de tratamentos empíricos e o eventual desenvolvimento de cepas resistentes.

Fine needle aspiration cytology in childhood TB lymphadenitis.

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) to diagnose Tuberculous (TB) lymphadenitis with compare to excision biopsy and to correlate TB lymphadenitis with clinical, cytological, radiological and mantoux test features. Methods. This was a prospective correlational study. FNAC was done by a pediatrician for 135 children with persisting lymphadenitis after two weeks of antibiotic therapy in the period of January 2005 to June 2006 and compared with excision biopsy in a tertiary care hospital. Results. Forty Six cases (34.07%) were TB lymphadenitis diagnosed by FNAC. Excision biopsy and cytological correlation was done in 100 cases. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy for TB lymphadenitis were found to be 98%, 100% and 99% respectively. Positive and negative predictive values were 100 and 98 respectively. Large (>2cm) (86.9%), multiple (52.1%), matted (47.8%), posterior cervical and submandibular group nodes with history of contact (P=0.0016), positive mantoux test (P=0.0001) and Grade III and IV Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) (P=0.0041) were significantly seen in TB lymphadenitis. Ziehl Neelson staining for Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB) was positive in 32.5% cases of TB Lymphadenitis. Conclusion. Pediatrician himself can do FNAC which is an excellent first line method to diagnose TB lymphadenitis and it has equal accuracy to excision biopsy.

clinicomorphological study of non-neoplastic lymphadenopathy

The Clinico Morphological Changes in 150 Cases of Non-neoplastic lymph adenopathy were studied at BMC Complex Hospital Quetta. The ages of these patients ranged from 2 years to 80 years. Maximum number of patients with lymphadenopathy [65 out of 150] 43.3% cases were in 11-20 years ago group. Females [56%] presenting with lymph node enlargement were more affected than males [44%]. The commonest presenting complaint was fever [67%]. Cervical lymph nodes [82.6%] were the commonest site of involvement. On histopathological examination, four morphological groups were highlighted; tuberculous lymphadenitis [50%], chronic non-specific lymhadenitis [44%], viral lymphadenitis [4%] acute bacterial lymphadenitis [2%]. The study also highlights the yield of Mycobacteria on fluorescent staining as highly significant [P<0.001] as compared to Ziehl-Neelsen staining, there by proving the superiority of fluorescent stain

Utility of acid-fast staining in tubercular lymphadenopathy compared to cytopathology

Lymphadenitis is a common form of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. As in peripheral health centers, the facilities for histopathology and culture are lacking, material obtained by fine needle aspiration [FNA] in suspected cases of tubercular lymphadenitis [TBL] can be stained for Acid Fast Bacilli [AFB] by Ziehl Neelson method as every Designated Microscopy centre under Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme has facility to perform it. This study was conducted with the aim of establishing the utility of performing AFB on aspirated material at a DMC over performing cytology at a higher centre. Fifty eight suspected cases of TBL attending urban health training centre, Dept. of Community Medicine were included in the study. FNA was performed and at least two slides were prepared, one for acid fast staining at centre itself and the other was sent for cytology, in the Dept. of Pathology. SPSS 11.0 was used to data analysis. 75.9% slides were AFB Positive; there was significant correlation of duration of disease and cytomorphology with AFB positivity. It was concluded that performing AFB staining at a peripheral centre on material aspirated from lymph nodes could alone be sufficient for diagnosis of tuberculosis in majority of cases

Cáncer de páncreas y linfadenitis tuberculosa peripancreática. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Pancreatic cancer and peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis, a case report and literature review

La tuberculosis pancreática y la linfadenitis tuberculosa peripancreática son entidades clínicas raras que afectan principalmente a mujeres jóvenes y se presentan con mayorfrecuencia en zonas endémicas y en pacientes inmunocomprometidos. Su forma de presentación puede simular neoplasia maligna, sin embargo la coexistencia de ambas patologías es aún más infrecuente, solo documentada en un reporte. Se presenta un caso de sincronismo de linfadenitis tuberculosa peri-pancreática y adenocarcinoma pancreático en una mujer de 79 años.

Pancreatic tuberculosis and peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis are rare conditions mainly affecting young women, and often occur in endemic areas and immunocompromised patients. The presentation of this condition could be similar to a malign neoplasm. However, coexistence of both pathologies is still very rare and just one case has been reported. A case of synchronism of peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis and pancreatic adenocarcinoma in a 79-year-old womanis presented.

Pattern of Tuberculous Lymphadenitis: the ISRA University Hospital Experience

To determine the commonest group and features of lymph nodes affected in tuberculous lymphadenitis at our set up. A descriptive study. Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad over a period of three years. The data of 180 consecutive patients visiting the outpatients department with lymph node enlargement was collected. The data was collected and analyzed with special reference to location, number and characteristics of lymph nodes involved. Out of 180 patients, 151 were found to be eligible according to the selection criteria. About 81.5% of the patients had involvement of multiple lymph nodes whereas single lymph node group was involved in 84.8% of the patients. Cervical group of lymph nodes was affected in about 68.9% of the patients making this group to be the commonest group affected by tuberculous lymphadenopathy. About 68.2% of the patients had matted lymph nodes whereas discrete lymph nodes were found in only 17.2% of the patients. Multiple lymph nodes are involved in most of the patients having tuberculous lymphadenitis in our set up and in majority of the patients, only one group of lymph nodes is affected by the tuberculous lymphadenitis

Clinical and morphological evaluation of tuberculous peripheral lyphadebnopathy

To analyze clinical presentations in patients of tuberculous peripheral lymphadenopathy. Design: A descriptive observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Chest Medicine, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre and National Institute of Child Health from January to June 2002. Subjects and Patients presenting with peripheral lymphadenopathy with the confirmed diagnosis of tuberculous were included in the study. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was made on finding acid fast bacilli on smear examination and / or histological demonstration of caseating epithelioid cell granulomas in the specimen obtained by fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] or excision biopsy. Patients in whom definite diagnosis of tuberculosis was not established on the basis of microscopy or histopathology examination were excluded from the study. History and physical examination findings were recorded on pre-designed proforma. The maximum number of patients [68.75%] was in pediatric age group. The duration of illness was more than a year in 43.75% of the patients. Cervical region was the commonest affected in 70.83% patients. In majority of cases [89.58%] glands were multiple and in 66.7% glands were matted. In 83% cases diagnosis was achieved by FNAC subjected for cytology and acid fast bacilte [AFB] smear examination. In local setting tuberculous etiology should be strongly suspected in a young patient presenting with peripheral lymphadenopathy, with prolonged duration of illness, and involvement of cervical glands with multiple and matted appearance. FNA is a reliable tool of diagnosis

Clinico-pathological profile of pediatric lymphadenopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinico-pathological profile of significant pediatric peripheral lymphadenopathy and to arrrive at an etiological diagnosis. METHODS: Prospective study in a tertiary care hospital setting. One hundred consecutive children reporting to pediatric OPD from 1 January 1995 to 31 December 1998, aged 1 month to 12 years were studied. RESULTS: The commonest aetiology diagnosed was tubercular lymphadenitis in 35% cases, followed by chronic tonsillopharyngitis in 15% cases. Lymphomas, AIDS and infectious mononucleosis constituted 3, 2 and 1 cases each. Aetiology could not be ascertained in 44 (44%) children even after detailed haematological, microbiological, radiological and serological investigations. FNAC's sensitivity and specificity as compared to 'gold standard of excision lymph node biopsy was 94% and 100% respectively. CONCLUSION: Tubercular lymphadenitis was the commonest treatable entity of significant pediatric peripheral lymphadenopathy. A majority of the cases even after thorough evaluation, remained undiagnosed. FNAC as a diagnostic modality is almost as sensitive and as specific as excision lymph node biopsy when an adequate aspirate is examined by expert eyes.