Tuberculous lymphadenitis: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:12, 9 February 2025

A form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes

Tuberculous lymphadenitis, also known as tubercular adenitis, is a form of tuberculosis that affects the lymph nodes. It is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Signs and symptoms

The primary symptom of tuberculous lymphadenitis is the swelling of the lymph nodes, particularly in the neck region, known as cervical lymphadenopathy. The affected lymph nodes may become matted and can form a sinus tract, leading to the discharge of pus. Other symptoms may include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.

Causes

Tuberculous lymphadenitis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The infection typically spreads from a primary site, such as the lungs, to the lymph nodes through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Fine needle aspiration or excisional biopsy of the lymph node may be performed to obtain samples for histopathology and culture. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can also be used to detect the presence of M. tuberculosis DNA.

Treatment

The treatment of tuberculous lymphadenitis involves a course of antitubercular therapy (ATT), which typically includes a combination of drugs such as isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. The duration of treatment is usually six months, but it may be extended in certain cases.

Prognosis

With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for tuberculous lymphadenitis is generally good. However, untreated or inadequately treated cases can lead to complications such as the formation of abscesses or sinus tracts.

Epidemiology

Tuberculous lymphadenitis is more prevalent in regions with high rates of tuberculosis, such as parts of Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It is also more common in individuals with HIV/AIDS due to their compromised immune systems.

Related pages

References

File:Tubercular adinitis with sinus.JPG

Tubercular adenitis with sinus

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Tuberculous lymphadenitis''' is a form of [[tuberculosis]] that affects the [[lymph nodes]]. It is also known as '''tuberculous adenitis''' or '''scrofula'''.
+{{Short description|A form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2023}}
-== Causes ==
+'''Tuberculous lymphadenitis''', also known as '''tubercular adenitis''', is a form of [[tuberculosis]] that affects the [[lymph nodes]]. It is the most common form of [[extrapulmonary tuberculosis]].
-Tuberculous lymphadenitis is caused by the bacterium ''[[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]''. This bacterium is spread through the air when a person with active tuberculosis of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, or talks.
-== Symptoms ==
+==Signs and symptoms==
-The most common symptom of tuberculous lymphadenitis is a painless swelling in the neck, armpit, or groin. Other symptoms may include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.
+The primary symptom of tuberculous lymphadenitis is the swelling of the lymph nodes, particularly in the neck region, known as [[cervical lymphadenopathy]]. The affected lymph nodes may become matted and can form a sinus tract, leading to the discharge of pus. Other symptoms may include fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue.
-== Diagnosis ==
+==Causes==
-Diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis typically involves a physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests. These tests may include a [[tuberculin skin test]], blood tests, imaging studies such as a [[chest X-ray]] or [[CT scan]], and a biopsy of the affected lymph node.
+Tuberculous lymphadenitis is caused by the bacterium ''[[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]''. The infection typically spreads from a primary site, such as the lungs, to the lymph nodes through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
-== Treatment ==
+==Diagnosis==
-Treatment for tuberculous lymphadenitis usually involves a course of [[antibiotic]] therapy for at least six months. The most commonly used antibiotics are [[isoniazid]], [[rifampin]], [[pyrazinamide]], and [[ethambutol]]. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected lymph node.
+Diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. [[Fine needle aspiration]] or excisional biopsy of the lymph node may be performed to obtain samples for [[histopathology]] and [[culture]]. [[Polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) tests can also be used to detect the presence of ''M. tuberculosis'' DNA.
-== Prevention ==
+==Treatment==
-Prevention of tuberculous lymphadenitis involves controlling the spread of ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis''. This can be achieved through early detection and treatment of active tuberculosis, and vaccination with the [[BCG vaccine]] in areas where tuberculosis is common.
+The treatment of tuberculous lymphadenitis involves a course of [[antitubercular therapy]] (ATT), which typically includes a combination of drugs such as [[isoniazid]], [[rifampicin]], [[ethambutol]], and [[pyrazinamide]]. The duration of treatment is usually six months, but it may be extended in certain cases.
-== See also ==
+==Prognosis==
+With appropriate treatment, the prognosis for tuberculous lymphadenitis is generally good. However, untreated or inadequately treated cases can lead to complications such as the formation of abscesses or sinus tracts.
+==Epidemiology==
+Tuberculous lymphadenitis is more prevalent in regions with high rates of tuberculosis, such as parts of [[Africa]], [[Asia]], and [[Latin America]]. It is also more common in individuals with [[HIV/AIDS]] due to their compromised immune systems.
+==Related pages==
 * [[Tuberculosis]]
-* [[Lymphadenitis]]
+* [[Extrapulmonary tuberculosis]]
-* [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]
+* [[Lymphadenopathy]]
-* [[BCG vaccine]]
+==References==
+{{Reflist}}
 [[Category:Tuberculosis]]
+[[Category:Lymphatic system disorders]]
 [[Category:Infectious diseases]]
-[[Category:Bacterial diseases]]
-{{stub}}
+[[File:Tubercular adinitis with sinus.JPG|thumb|Tubercular adenitis with sinus]]