European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background: Lymph node enlargement is a normal age related physiological change, may also herald chronic infections and serious conditions like autoimmune disorders. Etiology varies from region to region. However few studies have emphasized on the clinico- pathological correlation. Material and Methods: This is a Prospective study in a tertiary care hospital setting. Seventy consecutive children reporting to the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. VRK Women College, Hyderabad, Telangana were studied. FNAC, Mantoux test and hematological parameters were performed in all the cases. Additional investigations like culture, serological test and roentgenogram were done wherever required. Results: Among 70 cases the common age group was 4year to 8 years in 41.4% children .The etiology was confirmed in 84.3% cases and could not be ascertained in 21.4 % cases even after relevant investigations. Cytological examination revealed reactive lymphadenitis in 74.3% cases, tubercular lymphadenitis in 14.3% cases and Suppurative lymphadenitis in 7.1% cases, 4.3% cases yielded inadequate aspirate . Commonest etiology diagnosed after detailed investigation was due to infections in areas of drainage like tonsils, ear and scalp, oral cavity in 38.5% cases followed by tuberculosis in 24.2% cases. In addition, there were 12.8% cases of HIV , 2.9% cases were measles . Sensitivity of FNAC in TB was 58.9%. Conclusion: Reactive lymphadenitis due to underlying infection caused by streptococcal and staphylococcal infections were the commonest treatable entity of significant pediatric cervical lymphadenopathy. Further studies and longer follow-up involving detection of antigen and antibodies against lesser known viruses, parasites and rarer causes of lymphadenopathy may decrease the fraction of undiagnosed reactive conditions .