Abstract

The aim of the present study was to correlate cytomorphologic findings of FNAC with MTB PCR and staining for Mycobacterium tuberculosis by Ziehl-Neelsen stain. Methods: Patients with lymphadenopathy and a clinical diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis, of different ages, gender, and ethnical groups were enrolled in this prospective longitudinal study. The cases were referred to the lymphadenopathy clinic. A total of 60 clinically suspected patients of tuberculous lymphadenitis are included in the present study. Results: Out of 60 cases, majority of the patients were between 15 to 30 year age group (33, 55%) followed by 31 to 45 year age group (15, 25%). Out of 60 patients, 36 (60%) patients were females and 24 patients were males (40%) showing female preponderance. Cervical lymph node (51, 85%) was most commonly involved followed by axillary lymph node (6, 10%). Purulent material was found in 21 (35%) aspiration samples, blood mixed material in 18 samples (30%) and blood mixed purulent material was found in 21 samples (35%). 11 cases (18.34%) had microscopic granulomas, other 49 cases (81.66%) were diagnosed as chronic non-specific lymphadenitis. MTB PCR was positive in 3 of these 11 cases. ZN stain was positive in only one of these 3 cases. Conclusion: MTB-PCR is a sensitive method for the diagnosis of TB in routinely processed FNAC specimens. Overall 10% improved diagnostic yield was achieved. Granuloma formation was not a conclusive method to confirm TB in FNAC. MTB PCR & special stains should be done in all the suspected tubercular lymphadenitis cases seen on FNAC. Although MTB-PCR is more significantly sensitive than ZN stain, cost-effectiveness should be taken into account.

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