Role of fine‐needle biopsy in the diagnosis of hydatid cyst

Abstract

The cytopathologic findings in 17 patients with hydatid cyst are reported. All patients but one were referred for evaluation of a tumor mass. In 13 patients the aspirated material was diagnostic of hydatid cyst. In four patients only acellular laminated membranes were present in the aspirate and a presumptive cytopathologic diagnosis of hydatid cyst was made. Subsequent histologic studies confirmed the diagnosis of hydatidosis in all patients. No complications were encountered. Fine-needle biopsy appears a safe diagnostic approach in the evaluation of suspected hydatid disease. The presence of acellular laminated membranes confirm the diagnosis of hydatid cyst.