Fine needle aspiration cytology of cat scratch disease

The cytologic features of cat scratch disease diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology of a right inguinal lymph node in a 23-year-old woman are reported. Characteristic granulomas, with peripherally palisading epithelioid histiocytes and centrally located neutrophils, and an associated polymorphic cell population were observed. The cytologic pattern closely parallels the expected histopathologic findings and therefore can suggest the diagnosis in unsuspected cases or can confirm the clinical impression. The cytologic differential diagnosis and a discussion of other granulomatous lymphadenitis are presented.