Tzanck Smear: At Brink of Extinction Part 1

Diagnostic cytology was first used by Frenchman Tzanck in 1947 for the diagnosis of vesiculo bullous disorders. Findings for more dermatological disorders have also been described as it developed over time.

Tzanck smear is extremely easy, rapid, affordable and reliable method. Although, not a replacement for conventional histology, can facilitate the quick and simple confirmation of a clinical diagnosis when used by a skilled dermatologist. They can also be used as a supplement to regular histologic investigation.

The interest in cutaneous cytology has been restricted, despite the fact that dermatopathology has grown exponentially in popularity over the years. In the age of artificial intelligence, it may be on the verge of extinction, but it can be a good first line of diagnosis for many dermatoses.

References

1. Gupta LK, Singhi MK. Tzanck smear: A useful diagnostic tool. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2005; 71: 295 – 9.

2. Grossman and Silvers. The Tzanck smear: Can dermatologists accurately interpret it? J Am Acad Dermatol 1992; 27:403-5.

3. Gayathri S, Shreya Srinivasan, N. Ashok Kumar, Manoharan K, Kavya Rajeev. Tzanck smear: revisiting the basics. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine, 2024, 117(4), 285–286.

4. Patel M, Modi T. Effectiveness of Tzanck smear in various dermatosis-a cytodiagnostic approach. IOSR J Diagn Med Sonogr 2020; 19:4–9.

5. Panwar H, Joshi D, Goel G, Asati D, Majumdar K, Kapoor N. Diagnostic utility and pitfalls of tzanck smear cytology in diagnosis of various cutaneous lesions. J Cytol 2017; 34:179.

6. Yaeen A, Ahmad QM, Farhana A, Shah P, Hassan I. Diagnostic value of Tzanck smear in various erosive, vesicular, and bullous skin lesions. Indian Dermatol Online J 2015; 6:381-6.