[Cytologic picture of florid pulmonary tuberculosis in bronchial aspirates]

In 24 patients suffering from florid pulmonary tuberculosis we found a fairly characteristic cytologic pattern in smears from aspiration material yielded by bronchoscopy. Besides elements of specific granulation tissue, histiocytes, alveolar macrophages and squamous cells of metaplastic origin a high proportion of specimens exhibited a slightly detritic background rich in leucocytes, containing clusters of respiratory epithelial cells with reactive appearance. The significance of this pattern for suspicion of tuberculosis is emphasized. The diagnosis may be proved by evidence of acid fast bacilli in cytologic smears.