Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 3, 2025

Analysis of 18FDG PET/CT Imaging as a Tool for Studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Treatment in Non-human Primates
Published on: September 5, 2017
Understanding pediatric cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection
Eunice Im1, Erin Gawel, Alyson Coppola
1Eunice Im is a student in the College of Human Medicine at Michigan State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. Erin Gawel is a student in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo in Buffalo, N.Y. Alyson Coppola practices at the University at Buffalo Otolaryngology in Williamsville, N.Y. Michele Carr is a professor in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
Insights
Painless lymphadenopathy in children aged 1-5 may indicate cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent chronic draining fistulas, with surgical excision being the most effective cure.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections present as painless lymphadenopathy in immunocompetent children.
- Delayed diagnosis can lead to complications like chronically draining fistulas.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of considering non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection in the differential diagnosis of pediatric lymphadenopathy.
- To outline diagnostic and management strategies for this condition.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic modalities including microbiological studies, cytology, laboratory tests, and imaging.
- Discussion of treatment options: surgical excision, incision and curettage, antibiotic therapy, and observation.
Main Results:
- Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection is a significant cause of unilateral cervical lymphadenopathy in young children.
- Surgical excision offers the most definitive treatment, while other methods may be considered based on individual cases.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition by frontline clinicians is essential for prompt diagnosis and management.
- A multidisciplinary approach combining diagnostics and tailored treatment strategies ensures optimal outcomes.
Abstract:
Cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection should be a part of the differential diagnosis for immunocompetent children ages 1 to 5 years who present with painless submandibular or preauricular lymphadenopathy. Although a benign and self-limiting disease, patients can develop a chronically draining fistula if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The diagnostic process can be managed with a combination of microbiological studies, cytology, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Surgical excision is the most definitive curative measure. Incision and curettage, medical management with antibiotic therapy, or observation are other treatment strategies that may be considered. Frontline clinicians play a pivotal role in identifying which children may have this condition and can facilitate prompt diagnosis and treatment of this uncommon disease.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis IV
Several diagnostic approaches are used to detect TB. The conventional method is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), also known as the Mantoux test. However, this method has...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories:
Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.

