Non-gynaecological Cytology
Respiratory tract cytology
Anatomy and histology of the respiratory tract
Indications of respiratory tract cytology
Cell sampling and preparation methods
Reporting terminology
Normal cells
Non-cellular elements and specimen contaminants
Benign cellular changes
Inflammation
Respiratory infections
Benign lesions
Preneoplastic changes of respiratory epithelium
Lung cancer and other malignant tumours

Fungal infections

Pulmonary fungal infections are readily diagnosed by cytology; they often arise in immunocompromised patients. They should be always suspected whenever granulomatous inflammation is present, sometimes together with neutrophils. Cell blocks can be used for silver or periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stains. Many fungi have a characteristic structure that enables a specific diagnosis.

Several fungal infections can affect the lung, such as Cryptococcosis, Histoplasmosis, Coccidioidomycosis, Aspergillosis, Candidiasis.

Bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is characterized by the expectoration of mucus plugs containing fungal organisms (appearing as hyphae septate or fruiting bodies in cavities), numerous eosinophils and Charcot-Leyden crystals.

Candida pneumonia is a common opportunistic infection. The organisms appear as budding yeasts forming pseudohyphae.

Actinomyces, which are recognized by their radiating filaments, may also appear in BAL specimens because of oral contamination.

PCC and Aspergillus

 

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