Diagnosis of cutaneous leishmaniasis by fine needle aspiration cytology. Report of a case.

Abstract

A case of cutaneous leishmaniasis diagnosed by means of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology is presented. The pathognomonic cytopathologic picture consisted of lymphocytes, plasma cells and epithelioid granulomas intermingled with histiocytes. Numerous Leishmania organisms were observed within the histiocytes and extracellularly. This case emphasizes the utility of FNA cytology in diagnosing lesions of the skin.