Diagnostic Utility of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in a Case of Pulmonary Hydatid Cyst Masquerading as Tuberculosis

Hydatid cyst may mimic other diseases including carcinoma and tuberculosis which may raise diagnostic dilemma that may be more enhanced in areas where tuberculosis is endemic. This may result in delayed diagnosis of hydatid cyst leading to its complications. The present case is therefore being reported as it was clinically and radiologically diagnosed as tuberculosis but on fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) turned out to be a case of hydatid cyst. In addition, vigilant cytological examination revealed only protoscolices and hooklets instead of laminated cyst membrane which is more commonly and easily observed. FNAC serves as a valuable adjunctive tool in the diagnosis of hydatid cysts providing rapid and accurate diagnosis that can guide clinical management and improve patient outcome.