Evaluation of children with lympadenopathy

To examine children who present with enlargement of lymph nodes in terms of demographic, clinical, serological and radiological aspects.

Ninety-eight patients who presented with a complaint of enlargement of lymph nodes were examined in terms of demographic, clinical, serological and radiological aspects by screening file data retrospectively. The character of lymph nodes (reactive, malign) was evaluated according to the distribution, number, sizes and blood supply determined in ultrasonographic measurements. Fisher's Exact test and Mann-Whitney U Test were used in comparison of the groups. Kappa value was used in assessment of compatibility between the two groups.

Cervical lymphadenomegaly was found most frequently in accordance with the complaint of swelling in the neck. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ultrasonography, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) IgM were not found to be statistically significatly different between the normal and abnormal physical examination groups (erythrocyte sedimentation rate; p=0.623, USG; p=0.753, EBV and CMV; p=1.00). Cytomegalovirus and EBV IgM were not found to be statistically significatly different between the normal and abnormal ultrasonography groups (CMV; p=0.35, EBV; p=0.36). There was no compatibility between physical examination and ultrasonography (=0.32).

Lymphadenopathy is a common problem in the childhood and necessitates a careful physical examination and follow-up. Laboratory and imaging methods should be used when necessary. Although lymphadenopathy is mostly related with infections, care should be taken in terms of malignancy and malignancy should be eliminated. The important point is systemic evaluation and follow-up of the patient. It is important to note physical examination findings and clinical follow-up findings, because frequent ultrasonographic investigations may confuse physicians and families with high values of lymph node measurements despite normal physical examination. Therefore, using our fingertips with a good physical examination is still our most sensitive diagnostic tool instead of ultrasonography.