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Tubercular lymphadenitis: clinical manifestations.
1Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Tubercular lymphadenitis in children commonly affects cervical nodes and presents as matted nodes. This condition can occur in vaccinated individuals and may be the only sign of tuberculosis infection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Microbiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tubercular lymphadenitis, a significant extrapulmonary manifestation of tuberculosis, affects children worldwide.
- Understanding the clinical and laboratory features is crucial for early diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical and laboratory characteristics of pediatric tubercular lymphadenitis.
- To identify key features aiding in the diagnosis of this condition in children.
Main Methods:
- Histopathological confirmation of tubercular lymphadenitis in 113 children.
- Analysis of age distribution, sex ratio, family history, BCG vaccination status, nutritional status, lymph node characteristics, and associated organomegaly.
- Evaluation of Mantoux test results and chest X-ray findings.
Main Results:
- Tubercular lymphadenitis occurred across all age groups, with a male preponderance (1.5:1).
- Cervical lymph node involvement was most common (80%), often presenting as firm, matted nodes (87%).
- Positive Mantoux test (85%) and abnormal chest X-ray (22%) were observed; BCG vaccination did not prevent infection.
Conclusions:
- Tubercular adenitis is frequent in children, affecting all age groups equally, and can manifest solely as lymphadenopathy.
- Predominant cervical node involvement with multiplicity and matting are characteristic features.
- The condition can occur in BCG-vaccinated children, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.