Cytodiagnosis of actinomycetoma

Abstract

Mycetoma is a late clinical manifestation of a subcutaneous infection produced by bacteria (actinomycetoma) or fungi (eumycetoma). The distinction between eumycetoma and actinomycetoma in Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is as accurate as histopathology. A 55 year old man presented with a slow growing swelling on the plantar aspect of the right foot which was present for the last 10 years. A clinical diagnosis of soft tissue tumor was made and FNAC was advised. Smears revealed mixed inflammatory infiltrate and foreign body type of giant cells along with clumps of fibrillar organisms. Gram stain done later demonstrated gram positive thin branching filaments. A diagnosis of actinomycetoma was rendered. Histopathology of the excised specimen confirmed the cytologic diagnosis of actinomycetoma. Mycetoma can be accurately diagnosed by FNAC, which is a simple, inexpensive technique for rapid diagnosis.

Coexistence of eumycetoma and tuberculosis in a same lesion in right thigh in an adult: a rare case report

“…The diagnosis of Eumycetoma is made tentatively clinically, when discharging grains are visible to the naked eye. 2 The grains vary in colour, size and consistency depending on the causative agent and can be confirmed by culture method.…”

“…It usually presents between 20 and 50 years of age with male to female ratio 3.5: 1. 2 It is commonly seen in people who live in rural areas in endemic region. Agents that cause eumycetoma are Primarily Saprophytic microorganisms that are found in the soil and on plant matter.…”

“…4 However, extrapedal involvement also occurs and has been detected in hand, leg, head and neck, abdominal wall, buttock and perineum. 2 The rural area to which the patient belongs has similar environmental condition, i.e. dry and dusty with thorny vegetation all around.…”

Eumycetoma versus actinomycetoma: Diagnosis on cytology

“…[4] The disease is commonly seen in adult men, with a male to female ratio of 3.5:1. [6] The most common site is foot as 70% of all myetomas affect the foot,[3] hence the name Madura foot. However, extrapedal involvement also occurs and has been detected in hand, leg, head and neck, abdominal wall, buttock and perineum.…”

“…However, extrapedal involvement also occurs and has been detected in hand, leg, head and neck, abdominal wall, buttock and perineum. [6]…”