Fine-needle aspiration cytology of lepromatous leprosy

摘要

A prospective study correlating cytopathology with clinical morphology and histopathology in 22 patients with lepromatous leprosy was pereformed. Aspirates were taken form skin lesions in all patients. Lymph node aspirates were also performed in four patients with lymphadenopathy. Fine-needle aspirates yielded sufficient cellular material with excellent preservation of morphological detail. Diagnosis and correlation with bacillary index, clinical and histopathological findings Was possible in all patients In addition, the two patterns, partial and diffuse, of lymph Node involvement could be recognized. Fine-needle aspiration cytology is a simple Method for the laboratory assessment of leprosy.