The cytological, histological, and ultrastructural morphology of
transcutaneous bone aspirates from five patients with eosinophilic
granuloma of bone were studied. Use of this combined approach enabled us to
make a definitive diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma from a small quantity
of tissue without having to resort to open biopsy. By light microscopy,
eosinophilic granuloma is composed of a polymorphous infiltrate of
characteristic lobulated histiocytes, eosinophils, polymorphonuclear
leukocytes, and giant cells. Each specimen examined ultrastructurally
demonstrated the characteristic Langerhans granule-containing histiocyte.
Eosinophilic granuloma is a benign lesion which is readily diagnosed by
this technique, and more aggressive diagnostic procedures usually are not
warranted.