Mycobacterial pseudotumors of lymph node: A report of two cases diagnosed at the time of intraoperative consultation using touch imprint preparations

Objective. - The purpose of this report is to emphasize the diagnostic utility of intraoperative touch imprint preparations in the evaluation of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare-infected lymph node biopsy specimens obtained from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients. Patients. - Two human immunodeficiency virus-positive men, 41 and 29 years of age, with marked lymphadenopathy clinically suspicious for malignant neoplasm. Results. - Intraoperative touch imprints of two lymph node biopsy specimens rapidly demonstrated the presence of numerous intracellular organisms in Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare-infected lymph nodes, including one case of mycobacterial spindle cell pseudotumor. Conclusions. - Intraoperative touch imprint preparations are helpful in the evaluation of lymph node biopsy specimens obtained from human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients and allow rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium-intracellulare infection.