Mycobacterial head and neck lymphadenitis in children

Overview

Introduction: Nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis (NTM) is an infectious inflammatory disease of the lymph nodes caused by non -⁠ -tuberculous types of mycobacteria, especially Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC). In pediatric patients, we mostly find the inflammatory affection in the head and neck area. After 2010, when widespread vaccination with the BCG vaccine was discontinued in the Czech Republic, we have noticed a significant increase of the incidence of this disease. Methods: This work is a retrospective analysis of the cases of non-tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis in pediatric patients hospitalized at the Department of Ear, Nose and Throat, 2nd Medical Faculty, Charles University and University Hospital Motol between the years 2015 and 2022. Results: Most often, children aged 18 months to 3 years were hospitalized, the median age was 2 years. The most effective therapy is the surgical extirpation of the affected nodes, but it is accompanied with the risk of the facial nerve palsy. Conclusion: Sometimes, it might be difficult to distinguish these infections from non-specific bacterial lymphadenitis, therefore knowledge of this issue is essential for determining the correct diagnostic and therapeutic procedure.

Keywords:

nontuberculous mycobacteria – children – lymphadenitis – mycobacterial infection