Epithelioid Cell Granuloma in Tubercular Pleural Effusion

The present study was undertaken to study the role of fine needle aspiration cytology of pleural effusions in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis with an attempt to diagnose tubercular infections. Amongst a total of 370 cases with pleural effusions evaluated, there were 200 cases of Tubercular Pleural Effusion (TPE). Majority of the tubercular cases, 80 (40%) were found in 31-40 years age group, with a mean age of 41 years. Sputum positivity for AFB in TPE was found in 55 cases (27.5%), with the bacilli appearing as red colored tiny rods in a greenish background. The cytological findings observed were moderate to high cellularity with predominance of lymphocytes in 120 cases (60.0%), with all lymphocytic cells being enlarged with slight indentation of their nuclei and splintering of nuclear chromatin. Scanty mesothelial cells in 140 (70.0%) cases and a proteinaceous background in 60 (30.0%) cases were the other associated findings. Pleural fluid smear in 13 cases (3.5%) showed acid fast bacilli positivity while culture of pleural fluid was positive for acid fast bacilli in 101 (27.3%) cases.

並列關鍵字

Cytology ； epithelioid cells ； pleural fluid ； tuberculosis

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