[Tuberculous lymphadenitis].
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we evaluate tuberculosis (Tbc) lymphadenitis diagnosed patients age, gender, contact history, history of smoking, socioeconomic status, lymphadenitis localization, imaging techniques, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and excisional biopsy results.


METHODS
Between February 2006 and February 2008 104 patients were operated to determine the etiology of their neck masses. Twenty-six patients (16 females, 10 males; mean age 36.9 years; range 16 to 52 years) who were diagnosed as Tbc lymphadenitis according to pathology results were included in the study. Ear, nose and throat examinations were performed in all patients routinely. Hemogram, biochemical and serological tests were performed. The patients were evaluated with anterior-posterior chest radiographs and purified protein derivative (PPD) by chest diseases consultation imaging methods and FNAB was performed. All patients diagnosed with excisional biopsy of neck mass. During the operation, tissue culture and Ziehl-Neelsen method for staining was prepared.


RESULTS
Out of 26 patients eight had a history of contact with Tbc. One person had previously lung Tbc. Six patients had previously received treatment because of Tbc lymphadenitis, but didn't complete the treatment. Neck ultrasonography and neck computed tomography detected a solid mass in 16 patients and cystic mass in 10 patients. The 24 patients were evaluated as positive PPD (>10 mm). None of the patients had an association between active pulmonary Tbc and Tbc lymphadenitis.


CONCLUSIONS
Suspicion is the most important step in the diagnosis of Tbc lymphadenitis. In patients with low socioeconomic status, previous Tbc contact, tabacco usage, suppressed immune system, and particularly in those with drainage from neck masses, Tbc lymphadenitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
Sayın
Ibrahim
I
Bakirköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Eğitim ve Araştirma Hastanesi, Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastaliklari Kliniği, Istanbul, Turkey. dribrahimsayin@yahoo.com
Bişkin
Sultan
S
Cakabay
Taliye Tuncer
TT
Yazıcı
Zahide Mine
ZM
Meriç
Ayşenur
A
Kayhan
Fatma Tülin
FT
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology