Although the incidence of tuberculosis has decreased recently., tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis is one of the common causes of neck mass in Korea. But the diagnosis and management of this disease are still in controversy. The authors performed
clinical analysis on 21 cases of tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis treated at Min Joong hospital, Kon-Kuk University from March, 1992 to Jan, 1994.
@ES The results were as follows:
@EN The peak age group was third decade (66.6%), and sex ratio of male to female was 1:6. The node groups of involvement were 9 cases of posterior group, 5 cases of anterior group and 6 cases of other groups. Multiple nodes were predominant (14
cases),
and 11 cases presented with abscess formation. PPD (Purified Protein Derivative) skin test showed strong positive reaction (positive reaction combined with bulla) in 16 cases, and positive reaction in 5 cases. Especially strong positive reaction
appeared in 81.8% of abscess formed cases (9/11). The rate of positive AFB (Acid-Fast Bacillus) smear was 38.9% (7/18), and the rate of positive AFB culture was 16.7% (2/12). One case of aspiration cytology and 20 cases of histopathology
confirmed
the
tuberculosis. Treatment consisted of excision (n-9), I&D with curettage (n=11), and aspiration (n-1), all of which were combined with antituberculous medication. Therefor we consider that strong positive reaction of PPD skin test is significant
in
diagnosing the tuberculosis, and I&D with curettage is the treatment of choice in abscess formed cervical tuberculosis. (Korean J Otolaryngol 38:2, 1995)
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