Analysis of smear patterns in tubercular lymphadenitis by fine needle aspiration cytology in a tertiary care hospital

Introduction and Aim: India accounts for the highest number of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB), frequently manifested as lymphadenitis. Our study is designed to evaluate cytological patterns of tubercular lymphadenitis in FNAC, a rapid diagnostic procedure among patients in a tertiary care hospital presenting with lymphadenopathy. Materials and Methods: A total of 193 patients were detected with tubercular lymphadenitis in a 3-year cross-sectional study. Chi-square test was done to analyze the patterns of tubercular lymphadenitis in FNAC and its association with Acid fast bacilli staining. Results: The highest frequency of tubercular lymphadenitis was observed in cervical lymph nodes 125/193 cases (64.77%). Pattern B (epithelioid granuloma with necrosis) 94 cases (48.7%) constituted the predominant pattern. AFB positive smears were graded as follows, grade 1 +: 28.6%, grade 2 +:47.6%, grade 3+: 23.8%. Grade 3 AFB positivity was observed among HIV (four cases) positive patients. Conclusion: FNAC is a minimally invasive procedure in patients with Tuberculous Lymphadenitis, an extra pulmonary manifestation of Mycobacterial tuberculosis.