Fine needle aspiration cytology versus histopathology in the diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Pakistan

ABSTRACT

To compare FNAC with histopathology as an alternate method of diagnosing cutaneous leishmaniasis. Comparative study. The duration of the study was from August 2003 to April 2004 at CMH, Peshawar. A total of 40 patients were included in this study. They were referred from various areas of North-West Frontier Province. FNAC and skin biopsy was performed on every patient. Haematoxylin and eosin [H and E] stain was used for both procedures. The study group included 39 males and one female, their age ranging from 8-60 years with a mean age of 31.97 years. Detection of LT bodies was considered as a single criterion of the positive result. Histopathological examination was able to diagnose 14 out of 40 patients [positive yield of 35%], while FNAC picked up 11 out of 40 patients [positive yield of 27.5%]. FNAC is easier, less painful and more cost-effective than the conventional skin biopsy. The high sensitivity and specificity eliminate the need for other time-consuming and invasive procedures. However, if LT bodies are not detected then any further comment cannot be made regarding the diagnosis and it is necessary to perform skin biopsy