Cytological diagnosis of vertebral tuberculosis with fine-needle aspiration biopsy.

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy monitored with computed tomography was used for the diagnosis of vertebral tuberculosis in thirty-eight patients; the diagnosis was confirmed by culture or by a Ziehl-Neelsen stain of the smear in thirty-four of the patients. Cytological examination revealed collections of epithelioid cells, scattered multinucleated Langhans giant cells, and necrosis. There were no complications related to the biopsy, and an operative biopsy was avoided.