Tani, E. M.Schmitt, F. C.L.Oliveira, M. L.S.Gobetti, S. M.Decarlis, R. M.2022-04-292022-04-291987-11-03Acta Cytologica, v. 31, n. 4, p. 460-463, 1987.0001-5547http://hdl.handle.net/11449/230828A review was made of 138 sputa, 4 bronchial washings and 4 bronchial aspirates from 64 patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. The cytologic findings that may indicate granulomatous involvement were epithelioid cells, giant cells, lymphocytes and a necrotic background. Cell-block preparations stained by the Ziehl-Neelsen technique gave a positivity for acid-fast bacilli similar to that of bacterioscopy. This study emphasizes the potential diagnostic value of inflammatory alterations, even when the main objective of pulmonary cytology is the diagnosis of neoplasia; the finding of epithelioid cells and giant cells in a necrotic background may indicate a specific granulomatous involvement.460-463engArtigo2-s2.0-0023197641