Aspiration cytology of echinococcus oligarthrus. A case report.

BACKGROUND

Fine needle aspiration cytology is a useful technique in the diagnosis of several parasitic infections. The present case highlights the aspiration cytology findings in a case of Echinococcus oligarthrus infection, a rare variant of the Echinococcus species affecting humans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on the cytology of E oligarthrus in English.

CASE

A submandibular swelling developed in a 14-year-old male. A mistaken diagnosis of Cysticercus cellulosae was made on the first aspirate and of a hydatid cyst (Echinococcus granulosus) on the second aspirate. A diagnosis of E oligarthrus was made on subsequent histopathologic examination of the excised lesion.

CONCLUSION

This seems to be the first case report in English of the cytomorphology of E oligarthrus on fine needle aspiration cytology with histopathologic confirmation.