Extensive Bilateral Cervicofacial Lymphadenitis Caused by Atypical Mycobacterium

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Immunology

Background:

• Non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lymphadenitis commonly affects children, typically presenting as a unilateral, asymptomatic, slowly growing lymph node in the neck.
• Disseminated NTM infections are predominantly observed in pediatric patients with compromised immune systems.

Observation:

• This report details an atypical presentation of NTM lymphadenitis in a pediatric patient.
• The patient, who appeared immunocompetent, developed extensive bilateral cervical and retropharyngeal lymphadenitis.

Findings:

• The causative agent identified was Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC).
• The extensive bilateral lymphadenitis in an immunocompetent child represents an unusual clinical manifestation of MAC infection.

Implications:

• This case expands the known spectrum of NTM lymphadenitis presentations in children.
• It underscores the importance of considering MAC infection even in immunocompetent pediatric patients with extensive cervical lymphadenitis.
• Further research may be warranted to understand the specific factors contributing to severe NTM lymphadenitis in immunocompetent hosts.