Diagnosis of cystic hydatid disease: role of aspiration cytology.

Fine needle aspiration of mass lesions is reported in eleven patients in whom cystic hydatid disease (CHD) was not a differential diagnosis or whose serological results were negative. Aspiration was continued until no more fluid could be obtained. In five patients aspiration was done under ultrasound guidance. No sequelae were observed that could be attributed to aspiration per se. Aspirated fluid was stained with haematoxylin and eosin and giemsa or was passed through 5 micron polycarbonate filters which were then stained in the same way. The aspirated material and polycarbonate filters were also stained with trichrome which proved the best stain to demonstrate the acid-fast hooklets. Such filtration of the total volume of the aspirated material or that evacuated at operation is simple, quick, and accurate.