Clinical and Morphological Spectrum of Histoplasmosis on Cytology Along with the Review of Literature

Abstract

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of the study was to study the clinical and morphological spectrum of histoplasmosis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). <b><i>Study Design:</i></b> A total of 17 patients diagnosed with histoplasmosis on FNAC were studied over a period of 5 years. The cytology smears were studied and analysed for the cytomorphological spectrum of histoplasmosis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Among the 17 patients studied, the mean age was 51.3 years (range 6–84 years). Male-to-female ratio was 3.25:1 with 4 females and 13 males. The frequent sites of involvement were the lung (5), lymph node (4), adrenal gland (4), and skin (4). The most common cytological patterns were histiocytic collection, followed by granulomas and multinucleated giant cells. Necrosis was noted in only 4 cases. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Fine needle aspiration is a highly accurate, rapid, and cheap technique for the diagnosis of histoplasmosis due to its distinct morphological features.