Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis: an up-to-date guideline for management

For the past two decades the incidence of tuberculosis has been increasing, especially in developed countries. This is due to immigration from endemic countries, newly developed drug resistance, poor hygienic conditions for c itizens of low socioeconomic status, and the spread of HIV-related immunode ficiency. Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most common form of ext rapulmonary tuberculosis. In relation to the patients' age and immunocompet ence, it is caused by typical or atypical mycobacteria. Within a period of 21/2 years we have treated 6 patients for mycobacterial infections in our d epartment. We present an up-to-date guideline for management based on this experience. It combines well established diagnostic management with new cri teria of ultrasonography, fine needle aspiration and mycobacterial cultures .