Cytologic diagnosis of echinococcosis

An asymptomatic echinococcal cyst of the liver discovered during laparotomy was initially diagnosed by cytologic smears. The case probably represents an aseptic necrosis of the parasitic elements in which the cytologic diagnosis had to be based on the presence of the characteristic echinococcal hooklets alone. Subsequent histologic examination of the cyst revealed degenerated scolices, as well as detached hooklets. This paper illustrates the usefulness of cytologic smears in the definitive diagnosis of echinococcosis and cites other cases in the literature in which the disgnosis was made by cytology. Also included is a brief review of the pathology and laboratory diagnosis of the disease.