OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the contribution of microbiology, cytology, and anatomopathology in 50 cases of peripheral tuberculous lymphadenitis. METHODOLOGY: Our patients underwent bacteriological tests and cytology and/or histopathology for lymphadenitis. RESULTS: Ziehl-Neelsen stains and cultures were positive in only 29.7% and 10.8% of cases respectively. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology in 31.3% of cases (10/32) and by histology in 58.6% of cases (27/46). Granulomas were observed in 46.8% (15/32) of needle aspirates and 76% (35/46) of surgical biopsies. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals a weak contribution of conventional microbiological techniques. Cytology remains the procedure of choice in endemic countries. Excisional biopsy may be performed in case of doubt.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the contribution of microbiology, cytology, and anatomopathology in 50 cases of peripheral tuberculous lymphadenitis. METHODOLOGY: Our patients underwent bacteriological tests and cytology and/or histopathology for lymphadenitis. RESULTS: Ziehl-Neelsen stains and cultures were positive in only 29.7% and 10.8% of cases respectively. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology in 31.3% of cases (10/32) and by histology in 58.6% of cases (27/46). Granulomas were observed in 46.8% (15/32) of needle aspirates and 76% (35/46) of surgical biopsies. CONCLUSION: Our study reveals a weak contribution of conventional microbiological techniques. Cytology remains the procedure of choice in endemic countries. Excisional biopsy may be performed in case of doubt.