Diagnostic Utility and Cyto-Histopathological Evaluation of Tzanck Smear For Bullous Lesions of Skin

Abstract

Background and Objective: This study attempts to illustrate the importance of Tzanck smear and its Histopathological correlation. Methods:
The material for this study constituted patients selected from the Department of Pathology, Smt.Kashibai Navale Medical College and General Hospital, Narhe, Pune,India from January 2015 to December 2020.Results: The study group comprised of 26 females and 24 males, a total of 50 patients. Majority of patients are in 30 to 60 years of age group. Pemphigus group constituted the largest group with 58%, followed by Bullous Pemphigoid (28%), and Dermatitis Herpetiformis with 6%. One case each of Molluscum Contagiosum, Steven Johnson syndrome is among others. In our study, Tzanck smear was compared with histopathology & found 89% sensitivity and 100 % specificity in Pemphigus Vulgaris. In Bullous Pemphigoid lesions, we found 71% sensitivity and 100% specificity when Tzanck smears are compared with Histopathology. Conclusion: Tzanck smear is inexpensive, minimally invasive rapid test with high sensitivity and low cost. It doesn’t need any expensive laboratory setup.