European Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine

Background- Cervical Lymphadenopathy is a common problem in children and it is considered significant if the diameter exceeds 1 cm for cervical and 1.5 cm for axillary lymph node. Common pathology is infective and mostly benign and self limiting.

Objective- To study the clinicopathological profile of significant cervical lymphadenopathy in age group 1 month to 12 year

Methodology- This is a prospective observational study of 75 patients with significant cervical lymphadenopathy. This study was conducted at Department Of Paediatrics & Neonatology, RIMS, Ranchi, Jharkhand from April 2018 to March 2019. History, clinical examination, Mantoux test,  Hemogram, Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) were performed in maximum cases. USG and CT were done in some cases.

Result- Out of 75 cases, cervical lymphadenopathy was maximum in 4 to 8 years  (42.7%), 8 to 12 years (36%), and least in 1 month to 4 years (21.3%). Neck swelling (89.3%), fever (90.7%), cough (50.7%), loss of weight (26.7%), and ear discharge ( 10.7%). Most common site of cervical lymphadenopathy was cervical and least was in occipital. Lymph node consistency was firm ( 89.4%), soft (93%) and rubbery (1.3%). Associated findings were tonsillitis and/or pharyngitis, hepatosplenomegaly.

Conclusion- Lymphadenopathy is a sign of many underlying disorders and mostly benign. Few are serious which should be ruled out through examination . FNAC should be done in doubtful cases. Reactive Lymphadenitis due to bacterial or viral pathogens were the most common cause.