“A HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF GRANULOMAS WITH CLINICAL CORRELATION”

Abstract

Introduction: A localised collection of immune cells that develops in reaction to a chronic inflammatory stimulation is called a granuloma.^[1] During the second wave of COVID-19, granulomas were particularly essential diagnostic features in diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, and mucormycosis. This study examines the clinical correlation and histological assessment of granulomatous lesions in a tertiary care setting in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh.

Materials and Methods:  A retrospective study was conducted from January 2019 to December 2021. Specimens from granulomatous lesions across various departments were analyzed. Hematoxylin & Eosin (H&E), Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain for Acid-Fast Bacilli, and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stain were used for Histopathological examination. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.

Results: Out of 4100 biopsies, 40 cases (1%) were identified as granulomatous lesions. Tuberculosis accounted for the highest incidence (55%), followed by leprosy (17.5%) and mucormycosis (15%). The cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes were the most common site of lesions (22.5%). The study also noted a male preponderance (55%), with the 51–60 years age group being the most affected (27.5%).

Conclusion: Granulomatous inflammation remains a significant diagnostic challenge, particularly in tuberculosis. The majority of granulomatous lesions were of tuberculous etiology. The study underscores the importance of histopathological evaluation in the early diagnosis and management of granulomatous diseases, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.