[Diagnosis of peripheral tuberculous lymphadenitis in Tunisia].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to evaluate the contribution of microbiology, cytology, and anatomopathology in 50 cases of peripheral tuberculous lymphadenitis.


METHODS
Our patients underwent bacteriological tests and cytology and/or histopathology for lymphadenitis.


RESULTS
Ziehl-Neelsen stains and cultures were positive in only 29.7% and 10.8% of cases respectively. The diagnosis was confirmed by cytology in 31.3% of cases (10/32) and by histology in 58.6% of cases (27/46). Granulomas were observed in 46.8% (15/32) of needle aspirates and 76% (35/46) of surgical biopsies.


CONCLUSIONS
Our study reveals a weak contribution of conventional microbiological techniques. Cytology remains the procedure of choice in endemic countries. Excisional biopsy may be performed in case of doubt.
Marrakchi
C
C
Service des maladies infectieuses, CHU Hédi Chaker, Sfax, Tunisie. marrakchichakib@yahoo.fr
Maâloul
I
I
Lahiani
D
D
Hammami
B
B
Boudawara
T
T
Zribi
M
M
Ben Jemaâ
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000175:diagnosis*; D014416:Tunisia; D055815:Young Adult