Fine needle aspiration cytology of tuberculous cervical lymph nodes

ABSTRACT

Fine needle aspiration cytology of 29 histologically confirmed tuberculous cervical lesions were studied. Twenty smears revealed cells typical of granulomatous lymphadenopathy, that is epitheloid and multinucleated giant cells. Twenty smears had bacteriological staining by Ziehl=Neelsen technique. Ten [50%] of which were positive for acid fast bacilli. As aspiration biopsy diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenopathy was made in 21 patients [72.4%]. When the aspirates certain purulent material or when tuberculosis is suspected, staining and culture for Mycobacteria were performed. FNA biopsy [cytology] is a sensitive, specific and cost effective way to diagnose tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy and is recommended