OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of soft tissue hydatid cysts. STUDY DESIGN: Five cases of soft tissue hydatid cyst were diagnosed primarily by fine needle aspiration cytology. RESULTS: In all cases, large fragments of acellular material, finely lamellated, were found. There were no complications related to fine needle aspiration, and histologic studies confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. CONCLUSION: When acellular, laminated fragments suggestive of a laminated layer are identified on smears, hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis, even in atypical locations and in the absence of hooklets, protoscolices or both.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of soft tissue hydatid cysts. STUDY DESIGN: Five cases of soft tissue hydatid cyst were diagnosed primarily by fine needle aspiration cytology. RESULTS: In all cases, large fragments of acellular material, finely lamellated, were found. There were no complications related to fine needle aspiration, and histologic studies confirmed the diagnosis of hydatid cyst. CONCLUSION: When acellular, laminated fragments suggestive of a laminated layer are identified on smears, hydatid cyst should be considered in the differential diagnosis, even in atypical locations and in the absence of hooklets, protoscolices or both.