Abstract

Tzanck smear was first introduced in 1947 by Frenchman Tzanck as a tool of diagnostic cytology for vesiculobullous conditions, especially herpes simplex. With time it evolved and Tzanck smear findings for several other dermatological conditions like immunobullous disorders, genodermatosis, cutaneous infections, and cutaneous tumors have also been described. Tzanck smear is a rapid, inexpensive, simple, and sensitive outpatient cytology technique that can be performed with minimal patient discomfort and cost. Hence, we studied all the vesiculobullous lesions in our institute with special reference to immunofluorescence and its final clinical diagnosis. Aims and Objective: This study aimed to highlight the diagnostic utility of Tzanck smear in vesiculobullous disorders in correlation with the clinical diagnosis. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out on all Tzanck smears received during twelve months (1/1/ 2017– 31/12/2017) after taking ethical committee clearance. The Tzanck smears were assessed under a microscope for specific findings and Statistical Package for the Social Science [SPSS] software was used to establish Tzanck smear utility in the diagnosis of vesiculobullous lesion. Results: The present study included 68 cases. The majority of these Patients had viral infections (33) followed by immunobullous disorders (23). Among 33 Herpes viral cases, 20 showed multinucleated giant cells and 3 showed viral inclusions on cytology. Among 24 immunobullous lesions, 15 out 16 Pemphigus cases showed acantholytic cells, and the rest of all 8 bullous pemphigoid cases showed significant number of eosinophils. Histopathological correlation was available only for 24 out of 68 cases. Conclusions: Tzanck smear test is a simple, easily applicable, rapid, and inexpensive test for the diagnosis of erosive vesiculobullous and can serve as a useful adjunct to routine histological examination.

Description