Utility of Fine-needle aspiration cytology in diagnosis of lymphocutaneous sporo-trichosis

Abstract

Objective: Isolated case reports describing the utility of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of Lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis are available in the literature.Since Himachal Pradesh in India is a known endemic area for cutaneous sporotrichosis, this study was conducted to asses the utility of FNAC in the detection of fugal spores for the diagnosis of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis.Methods: FNAC and biopsy were performed from the nodules and indurated ulcers of fifty clinically diagnosed cases of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis. Smears were reviewed for cytomorphological findings and were correlated with the histopathological findings. Positive cases were further subjected to culture for confirmationResults: In our study, the sensitivity and specificity of FNAC in diagnosing lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis were 35% and 100% respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of biopsy in diagnosing lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis were 10% and 100% respectively. All seven cases diagnosed on FNAC were confirmed on fungal culture. Conclusions: FNAC is an effective, useful and a minimally invasive procedure. FNAC is comparatively better than biopsy in detection of fungal spores in the diagnosis of lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis.With an experienced cytologist, it can be used routinely for the diagnosis for lymphocutaneous sporotrichosis.