Molluscum contagiosum presenting as cellulitis in an AIDS patient: Cytologic and ultrastructural features

Abstract

This report describes the cytologic features of molluscum contagiosum presenting clinically as a left thigh abscess in a 29-yr-old male with AIDS. The fine-needle aspiration findings are correlated with the histologic and ultrastructural findings. Molluscum contagiosum's clinical presentation, natural course, and induction of host immune responses in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed individuals as identified by light microscopy, immunocytochemically and ultrastructurally are reviewed. Molluscum contagiosum presenting clinically and cytologically as an abscess is unusual. In this report, we emphasize the inclusion of molluscum contagiosum in a differential diagnosis of an abscess, particularly in immunosuppressed patients, and discuss the cytologic differential diagnoses.

On the utility and limitations of fine-needle aspiration of palpable lesions located in the hand

“…The cytologic features of both conditions are well-known. 2,13 Deep-seated lesions are usually covered by normal skin and are difficult to diagnose on clinical grounds alone. Patients endure the "shuttle syndrome" and the "wait and see if it goes away on its own" approach; subsequently some patients are submitted for FNA evaluation.…”

Confluent molluscum contagiosum covering the eyelids of an HIV‐positive child

“…In one study, the prevalence of mucocutaneous findings in HIV‐1‐positive children with severe, moderate or no evidence of immunosuppression was 62%, 43% and 20%, respectively 1 . The presentation of molluscum contagiosum may be atypical in HIV‐infected patients and mimic other conditions such as cellulitis, 2 tumour, 3 sebaceous nevus of Jadassohn, ecthyme or giant condylomata acuminate 4 …”

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Molluscum Contagiosum

“…Absence of T-lymphocytes, natural killer subsets, and Langerhans cells has been described in immunocompromised individuals with MC. 10 Although our case clinically presented with a slightly larger lesion, no association with HIV infection was noted.…”

“…6 As for the literature on cytologic diagnosis of MC, there have been only a few case reports in which molluscum bodies (MBs) are identified in scrape smears, 5,7 imprints 8 and, rarely, fine needle aspirate material. 9,10 Here, we report a case of MC diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).…”