We report a case of a 28-yr-old man in whom mastocytosis was diagnosed
by fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of enlarged periaortic lymph nodes. F
NA cytology revealed numerous mast cells characterized by cells having
round to oval eccentrically placed nuclei and associated coarsely gra
nular cytoplasm, most conspicuous on Diff-Quik- and Giemsa-stained sme
ars. Lymphocytes, histiocytes, and occasional plasma cells were presen
t in the background. We believe this paper to be the first reported ca
se of mastocytosis diagnosed by FNA. This case demonstrates the utilit
y of FNA in evaluating lymphadenopathy occurring in mastocytosis. (C)
1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.