Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis

Abstract

Background: Diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis has been challenging to clinicians as it mimics multiple diseases. USG has upper hand over other diagnostic modalities as it is non- invasive, low cost, time saving and guided procedures like FNAC and core needle biopsy can be performed. Methods: This is a prospective observational study conducted in 100 patients from June 2019 to May 2020 in Dept of Pulmonary medicine, PRM Medical College and Hospital, Baripada. A complete clinical examination, routine blood investigations, CXR, USG Neck, FNAC and CBNAAT were done and data was recorded. Results: Maximum numbers of patients were in age group of 11-20 years (38%) followed by 21-30 years (32%) and presented between the duration of 1-3 months. There were 44(44%) males and 56(56%) females; male to female ratio was 1:1.3. Most of the patients (70%) did not have any constitutional symptoms and maximum number of patients i.e. 53% had matting of LN followed by discrete node 29% whereas 10% patients presented with abscess and 8% had discharging sinuses. In USG, 46 (46%) showed cervical lymphadenopathy with tubercular aetiology with sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 50% respectively with accuracy of 88%.