DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2014.v02i01.0046

Pages: 216-220

Paediatric cervical lymphadenopathy is a challenging medical condition for the patient, the parent, and the physician. Various etiology’s ranging from infectious to autoimmune may cause lymphadenopathy. However few studies have emphasized on clinico-pathological significance. The aim of the present study was to know the clinico pathological corelation of cervical lymphadenopathy in children (1 month -12 years) and to arrive at an etiological diagnosis. Results from the present study shows that, among 130 cases the common age group was 4 - 8 yrs. The etiology was confirmed in 83.9% and could not be confirmed in 16.1%. Cytological examination revealed reactive lymphadenitis in 76.2%, tubercular lymphadenitis in 14.6% and suppurative lymphadenitis in 6.9% cases, 2.3% cases yielded inadequate aspirate. Commonest etiology diagnosed after detailed investigation was due to infections in area of drainage like tonsils, ear, head, in 48.5% followed by tuberculosis in 23.8% cases. In addition, there were 6.9% cases of HIV, 3% cases of measles and 1.6% of case of Brucellosis. Sensitivity of FNAC in TB was 61.2%. To conclude, Reactive lymphadenitis due to underlying infection was the commonest treatable causes of significant cervical lymphadenopathy. Further studies and longer follow - up involving detection of antigen and antibodies against other known viruses , parasites and rarer causes of lymphadenopathy may reduce the fraction of undiagnosed reactive conditions .