Fine needle aspiration of subcutaneous masses caused by Aspergillus: a report of 2 cases

BACKGROUND: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a well-established method for dijfrrentiation of infective from neoplastic lesions. Varions infective agents, such as mycobacteria, leishmaniasis and microfaria can be diagnosed from aspirates, but there are few case reports on fungal infections in aspirates. Cytologic diagnosis of Aspergillus has occasionally occurred on sputum, pulmonary samples, vaginal secretions, endometrial washings and maxillary sinus specimens. One case of hepatic and subcutaneous masses was diagnosed as Aspergillus by fine needle aspiration and confirmed by culture and histology. CASES: Two cases of subcutaneous aspergillosis were diagnosed by fine needle aspiration and confirmed by culture and histology. CONCLUSION: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a rapid, sensitive and important method of diagnosing Aspergillus and provides a rapid diagnosis, which may be life saving in an immunocompromised patient.