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 injection, a rave variant of the Echinococcus species affecting humans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report on the cytology off oligarthrus in English. CASE: A submandibular swelling developed in a 14-year-old male. A mistaken diagnosis of Cysticercus cellulosae teas 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.