Abstract

Lymphadenitis is the most common extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis. Tuberculous lymphadenitis is considered to be the local manifestation of the systemic disease.A high index of suspicion is needed for the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis which is known to mimic a number of pathological conditions. Cytomorphology proves to be a valuable tool in diagnosing these cases. The aim of our study is to evaluate the utility and limitations of fine needle aspiration cytology and various cytomorphological presentations in reference to tuberculous lymphadenitis. In a study period fromJanuary 2010 – December 2014, 1188 superficiallymphnodes, were selected for FNA and subjected to cytological evaluation byGiemsastained smears. Incidence of tuberculous lymphadenitis was 54.95% (p value- 0.035). Cervical region was the commonest site of involvement with solitary lymphadenopathy as the most common presentation in contrast to matted lymph nodes as reported by others.Fine needle aspiration cytology is a safe, cheap, rapid out patient procedure requiring minimal instrumentation and is highly sensitive to diagnose tubercular lymphadenitis.