Head and neck mycobacterial infections in pediatric patients

Lymph nodal disease is one of the most common manifestations of head and neck tuberculosis and is particularly frequent in paediatric patients with an increasing incidence in the last decade. It may represent the manifestation of a systemic tuberculous disease or a clinical entity specific of the neck. Aim of this paper is to retrospectively analyse mycobacterial cervical adenopathies observed in two Paediatric European Centers between 1986 and 2004 and the outcomes of medical or surgical treatment.

353 children were examined for mycobacterial cervical lymphadenopaties since January 1986 to December 2004. Demografic data about the sample are showed. The retrospective evaluation of the sample underlined distribution according to etiologic patterns, head and neck adenopathies localization. Previous or simultaneous medical or surgical treatment were analyzed. Statistical analysis with Chi Square test was performed.

281 (79.60%) cases showed a higher localization and 72 (20.40%) a lower localization. In relation to the etiological agent, 8 (2.27%) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and 222 (62.89%) mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) lymphadenopaties were observed in the upper localization as opposed to 21 (5.95%) MTB and 39 (11.05%) MOTT in the lower plane. Two (0.56%) were detected as upper lymph nodal tumefaction in the median line. In 86 (24.36%) cases at the MRI the so-called "iceberg effect" was noted. 163 (62.45%) patients underwent primary excisional biopsy whereas 74 (28.35%) underwent exeresis after other unsuccessfull therapies, 9 underwent only drainage, and 15 drainage with subsequent antibiotic therapy. Number of relapses after surgery was 16 (6.13%).

A not homogeneous therapeutic approach to the mycobacterial cervical adenitis arises from literature and WHO guidelines does not give indications for the treatment of the cervical pattern. A therapeutic strategy based on the etiology is mandatory. In case of MBT adenopathy the therapy of choice includes the association, in variable way, of different chemotherapic drugs; surgery is reserved to advanced cases. Conversely, in cases of MOTT adenopathy, surgery is the treatment of choice.