title: Long-term Follow-up of Observation-Only Management of Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lymphadenitis.
abstract: A total of 21 children with clinically and microbiologically proven craniofacial nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis managed by observation only at a tertiary medical center in 1993-2005 were evaluated for scar parameters at least 2 years after diagnosis. Parents completed a satisfaction questionnaire. Median follow-up time from presentation was 6.8 years (range = 2.3-16.9 years). In all, 18 patients showed scar formation, for a total of 26 scars; 21 scars (81%) had a maximal length of ≤3 cm. Vascularity was normal in 20 scars (77%), and pigmentation was normal in 18 (69%); 21 scars (81%) had a normal to only mildly uneven surface. Although 8 parents (44%) reported that the presence of the scar disturbed them, all responders but one (94%) expressed overall contentment of observation only as a conceivable management alternative. In conclusion, an observation-only approach to craniofacial nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis is associated with an acceptable outcome and may be an alternative to patients who wish to avoid surgery.
authors.affiliation: Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel yishaihc@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Yishai
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Haimi-Cohen
authors.affiliation: Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.
authors.forename: Tal
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Markus-Eidlitz
authors.affiliation: Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.
authors.forename: Jacob
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Amir
authors.affiliation: Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel.
authors.forename: Avraham
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zeharia
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000382:microbiology*; D005145:Face / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000382:microbiology*; D008297:Male; D009165:Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous / Q000150:complications*; D009170:Nontuberculous Mycobacteria; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012867:Skin / Q000382:microbiology
keywords: lymphadenitis; management; nontuberculous mycobacteria; observation-only; outcome