[Diagnostic image (256). A boy with bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy]

Area of Science:

• Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health concern, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of manifesting in extrapulmonary sites.
• Cervical lymphadenitis, characterized by swollen lymph nodes in the neck, is a common presentation of extrapulmonary TB, particularly in children and adolescents.
• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent disease progression and transmission.

Observation:

• A teenage male presented with a notably swollen neck, indicative of cervical lymphadenopathy.
• Clinical examination and subsequent investigations confirmed the presence of tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis.
• The swelling was the primary clinical manifestation prompting medical evaluation.

Findings:

• Microbiological and/or histological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the affected cervical lymph nodes.
• Absence of significant pulmonary involvement in initial screening, highlighting extrapulmonary TB presentation.
• The case underscores the varied clinical presentations of tuberculosis.

Implications:

• Highlights the importance of considering tuberculosis in the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenitis in adolescents, even without overt pulmonary symptoms.
• Emphasizes the need for accessible diagnostic tools and timely treatment initiation for tuberculous lymphadenitis to improve patient outcomes.
• Reinforces the ongoing relevance of TB control programs, particularly in regions with a high burden of the disease.