Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Scrofula.jpeg| | | name = Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis | ||
| image = [[File:Scrofula.jpeg|250px]] | |||
| caption = A depiction of scrofula, historically associated with mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis | |||
| field = [[Infectious disease]] | |||
| synonyms = Scrofula | |||
| symptoms = [[Swelling]] of the [[lymph nodes]] in the neck | |||
| complications = [[Abscess]] formation, [[fistula]] | |||
| onset = Gradual | |||
| duration = Weeks to months | |||
| causes = [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]], [[Non-tuberculous mycobacteria]] | |||
| risks = [[Immunocompromised]] state, [[HIV/AIDS]], [[malnutrition]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Biopsy]], [[culture]], [[PCR]] | |||
| differential = [[Lymphoma]], [[bacterial lymphadenitis]], [[cat-scratch disease]] | |||
| prevention = [[BCG vaccine]] | |||
| treatment = [[Antibiotics]], [[surgery]] | |||
| medication = [[Isoniazid]], [[Rifampicin]], [[Ethambutol]], [[Pyrazinamide]] | |||
| prognosis = Generally good with treatment | |||
| frequency = Rare in developed countries, more common in developing regions | |||
}} | |||
'''Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis''', also known as '''scrofula''', is a condition characterized by the infection and inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes due to mycobacterial species. This condition is most commonly caused by [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), such as [[Mycobacterium avium complex]]. | '''Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis''', also known as '''scrofula''', is a condition characterized by the infection and inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes due to mycobacterial species. This condition is most commonly caused by [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), such as [[Mycobacterium avium complex]]. | ||
== Etiology == | == Etiology == | ||
The primary causative agents of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis are mycobacteria, which are a type of [[bacteria]] known for their acid-fast properties. The most common mycobacteria involved are: | The primary causative agents of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis are mycobacteria, which are a type of [[bacteria]] known for their acid-fast properties. The most common mycobacteria involved are: | ||
* [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]: The bacterium responsible for [[tuberculosis]], which can spread to the lymph nodes. | * [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]: The bacterium responsible for [[tuberculosis]], which can spread to the lymph nodes. | ||
* Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM): These include species such as [[Mycobacterium avium]] and [[Mycobacterium intracellulare]], which are more commonly associated with scrofula in children. | * Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM): These include species such as [[Mycobacterium avium]] and [[Mycobacterium intracellulare]], which are more commonly associated with scrofula in children. | ||
== Pathophysiology == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
Infection typically occurs when mycobacteria enter the body through the respiratory tract or skin and are transported to the cervical lymph nodes via the lymphatic system. The immune response to the infection leads to the formation of granulomas, which are collections of immune cells that attempt to contain the bacteria. Over time, these granulomas can become necrotic and caseous, leading to the characteristic swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes. | Infection typically occurs when mycobacteria enter the body through the respiratory tract or skin and are transported to the cervical lymph nodes via the lymphatic system. The immune response to the infection leads to the formation of granulomas, which are collections of immune cells that attempt to contain the bacteria. Over time, these granulomas can become necrotic and caseous, leading to the characteristic swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes. | ||
== Clinical Presentation == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
Patients with mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis often present with: | Patients with mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis often present with: | ||
* Painless swelling of the cervical lymph nodes | * Painless swelling of the cervical lymph nodes | ||
* Firm, rubbery nodes that may become fluctuant over time | * Firm, rubbery nodes that may become fluctuant over time | ||
* Possible overlying skin changes, such as erythema or ulceration | * Possible overlying skin changes, such as erythema or ulceration | ||
* Systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss, particularly in cases caused by [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] | * Systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss, particularly in cases caused by [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]] | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
Diagnosis of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include: | Diagnosis of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include: | ||
* [[Fine needle aspiration]] or excisional biopsy of the affected lymph node for histopathological examination and culture. | * [[Fine needle aspiration]] or excisional biopsy of the affected lymph node for histopathological examination and culture. | ||
* [[Polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) testing to identify mycobacterial DNA. | * [[Polymerase chain reaction]] (PCR) testing to identify mycobacterial DNA. | ||
* Imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]] or [[CT scan]] to assess the extent of lymph node involvement. | * Imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]] or [[CT scan]] to assess the extent of lymph node involvement. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis depends on the causative organism: | The treatment of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis depends on the causative organism: | ||
* For [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]: A standard anti-tuberculous regimen is used, typically including [[isoniazid]], [[rifampicin]], [[ethambutol]], and [[pyrazinamide]]. | * For [[Mycobacterium tuberculosis]]: A standard anti-tuberculous regimen is used, typically including [[isoniazid]], [[rifampicin]], [[ethambutol]], and [[pyrazinamide]]. | ||
* For non-tuberculous mycobacteria: Treatment may involve surgical excision of the affected nodes and antibiotics such as [[clarithromycin]] or [[azithromycin]]. | * For non-tuberculous mycobacteria: Treatment may involve surgical excision of the affected nodes and antibiotics such as [[clarithromycin]] or [[azithromycin]]. | ||
== Prognosis == | == Prognosis == | ||
The prognosis for patients with mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis is generally good with appropriate treatment. However, untreated or inadequately treated cases can lead to complications such as fistula formation or dissemination of the infection. | The prognosis for patients with mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis is generally good with appropriate treatment. However, untreated or inadequately treated cases can lead to complications such as fistula formation or dissemination of the infection. | ||
== See also == | |||
== | |||
* [[Tuberculosis]] | * [[Tuberculosis]] | ||
* [[Lymphadenopathy]] | * [[Lymphadenopathy]] | ||
* [[Non-tuberculous mycobacteria]] | * [[Non-tuberculous mycobacteria]] | ||
{{Infectious diseases}} | {{Infectious diseases}} | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | [[Category:Bacterial diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Lymphatic system disorders]] | [[Category:Lymphatic system disorders]] | ||
Latest revision as of 03:35, 8 April 2025
Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics
| Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | Scrofula |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck |
| Complications | Abscess formation, fistula |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Weeks to months |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Non-tuberculous mycobacteria |
| Risks | Immunocompromised state, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition |
| Diagnosis | Biopsy, culture, PCR |
| Differential diagnosis | Lymphoma, bacterial lymphadenitis, cat-scratch disease |
| Prevention | BCG vaccine |
| Treatment | Antibiotics, surgery |
| Medication | Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Pyrazinamide |
| Prognosis | Generally good with treatment |
| Frequency | Rare in developed countries, more common in developing regions |
| Deaths | N/A |
Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis, also known as scrofula, is a condition characterized by the infection and inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes due to mycobacterial species. This condition is most commonly caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), such as Mycobacterium avium complex.
Etiology[edit]
The primary causative agents of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis are mycobacteria, which are a type of bacteria known for their acid-fast properties. The most common mycobacteria involved are:
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis: The bacterium responsible for tuberculosis, which can spread to the lymph nodes.
- Non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM): These include species such as Mycobacterium avium and Mycobacterium intracellulare, which are more commonly associated with scrofula in children.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Infection typically occurs when mycobacteria enter the body through the respiratory tract or skin and are transported to the cervical lymph nodes via the lymphatic system. The immune response to the infection leads to the formation of granulomas, which are collections of immune cells that attempt to contain the bacteria. Over time, these granulomas can become necrotic and caseous, leading to the characteristic swelling and inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Clinical Presentation[edit]
Patients with mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis often present with:
- Painless swelling of the cervical lymph nodes
- Firm, rubbery nodes that may become fluctuant over time
- Possible overlying skin changes, such as erythema or ulceration
- Systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss, particularly in cases caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging, and laboratory tests. Key diagnostic steps include:
- Fine needle aspiration or excisional biopsy of the affected lymph node for histopathological examination and culture.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing to identify mycobacterial DNA.
- Imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan to assess the extent of lymph node involvement.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis depends on the causative organism:
- For Mycobacterium tuberculosis: A standard anti-tuberculous regimen is used, typically including isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.
- For non-tuberculous mycobacteria: Treatment may involve surgical excision of the affected nodes and antibiotics such as clarithromycin or azithromycin.
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for patients with mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis is generally good with appropriate treatment. However, untreated or inadequately treated cases can lead to complications such as fistula formation or dissemination of the infection.
See also[edit]
| Infectious diseases | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This infectious diseases related article is a stub.
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