[Role of guided fine needle punction in the diagnosis of deep-seated Aids-related infections. Report of a case of hepato-nodal histoplasmosis]

Abstract

A case of disseminated histoplasmosis diagnosed by fine needle aspiration biopsy is reported. The patient suffering from acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) had enlarged liver, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes. Cytological smears prepared from a CT scan guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of one of the lymph node and the liver, showed numerous free or intrahistiocytic yeasts consistent with Histoplasma capsulatum. Yeasts and protozoars morphologically close to Histo-plasma capsulatum are reviewed. The indications of fine needle aspiration biopsy for the diagnosis of infections in AIDS patients are emphasized. This method enables to send rapidly material for cultures and to start immediately an appropriate treatment.