OBJECTIVE:

The aim of this study was to analyze the cytological patterns of lymph node lesions in HIV/AIDS patients, to correlate with available clinicopathological parameters and to segregate lymphadenopathy cases that need further evaluation.

STUDY DESIGN:

 In the present study, 231 cases were included. Aspirates were stained routinely with haematoxylin and eosin, Wrights and Zeihl-Neelson stains. Special stains were done in selected cases.

RESULTS:

Cytological diagnosis included reactive(46.32%), tuberculous(41.55%), non-specific chronic granulomatous(7.3%), malignant(3.03%), suppurative(1.29%) and cryptoccocal(0.43) lymphadenitis. Reactive and tuberculous lesions were further categorized. Each lesion was correlated with clinical details, CD4 counts and ALC. AFB grading was done on Ziehl-Neelson stained smears in tuberculous lymphadenitis cases.

CONCLUSION:

Lymph node cytology is useful for segregating lymphadenopathy cases that need further evaluation and is a valuable tool for identification of opportunistic infections, neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions. Correlation of lesions with mean CD4 count, mean ALC and AFB grading reflects immunity, stage of disease and disease activity.

KEYWORDS: HIV infection, Lymphadenopathy, Cytology