Fnac as a Tool in the Diagnosis of BCG Induced Lymphadenitis-an Institutional Experience.

Abstract

Background: Tuberculosis is a major cause of mobility and mortality in developing countries including India.BCG vaccine has been in use since 1921 and is considered to be one of the safest vaccines with self limited regional Lymphadenopathy being the most common complication. Objectives: The present study aims toevaluate the efficacy and cytomorphological patterns of BCG lymphadenitis. Materials & methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology of Government Medical College / Government General Hospital, Anantapuramu, during the period January 2017 to December 2019. Patients with suspected ipsilaterallymphnodal enlargement after BCG vaccination and age ranging from two months to two years , who were referred for FNAC, were included in this study. FNAs of 17 patients were studied in the present study. FNAC was performed by using a 10 mL syringe with a 23 g needle. Smears were stained with H& E stain (Haematoxylin and Eosin)and ZN ( Ziehl –nelson )stain.The data collected was entered into an Excelsheet and analyzed. Results: Cytology slides prepared were studied, interpreted, and the diagnosis made was analyzed.A total of 17 cases were studied with the mean age of 6.24 months. Majority of the patients were males seen in 64.71% of cases. Ipsilateral Axillary lymphnode was the most common site involved seen in 82.35% cases.Pus was aspirated in 76.47% of cases.On microscopic examination diffuse necrosis with degenerated cellswas the predominant cytological pattern seen in nine (52.94%) cases. ZN stain showed Acid fast bacilli positivity in 15 cases. Conclusion: FNA cytology combined with clinical correlation is useful for diagnosis and management of BCG lymphadenitis.