Diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis using fine needle aspiration biopsy.

Abstract

Tuberculous lymphadenitis is the commonest form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, the optimal approach to diagnosis, employing biopsy by either fine needle aspiration (FNA) or surgical excision, remains uncertain. To evaluate the diagnostic value of biopsy using each of the component diagnostic modalities of FNA (microscopy, cytology and culture), and compare these with excision biopsy in the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis in a predominantly migrant population in Melbourne. A retrospective examination of tuberculous lymphadenitis cases presenting to Western Health over 12 years was conducted. Using a reference method of positive culture of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the diagn..