scrofula

Introduction

Chronic tuberculous lymphadenitis of the cervical lymph nodes.

Etiology

• Mycobacterium scrofulaceum
• other Mycobacteria?

Clinical manifestations

• any cervical nodes may be involved
• anterior triangle just below neck is most frequent site of disease
• tuberculous nodes are generally rubbery & not tender
• nodes become harder & matted with time
• chronic draining fistulas may occur, but are rare
• disease course is generally indolent

Laboratory

• diagnosis is established by surgical biopsy
  • culture is essential
  • histologic examination with acid fast stain
• tuberculin skin testing

Management

• treat same as pulmonary TB for 6-9 months
• culture prior to initiation of antibiotic therapy
• patients are NOT a public health hazard

More general terms

• mycobacterial infection

Additional terms

• Mycobacterium scrofulaceum