DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF ATYPICAL MYCOBACTERIAL INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN

A series of 12 children (9 girls, 3 boys) with non-tuberculous mycobac terial lymphadenitis was reviewed to define the most frequent presenti ng features, helpful diagnostic measures and optimal management. The m ean age at diagnosis was 42 months and cervical nodes in the submandib ular region were most commonly affected. In most of the children the d iagnosis was made on the basis of a positive intradermal skin test wit h specific antigens for atypical myocobacteria. The diagnosis was conf irmed in all but one case by histopathologic examination. Total excisi on of the affected gland was recommended as the therapy of choice in t he patients treated.