Evaluation of the patients with lymph node tuberculosis

Lymph node tuberculosis (LNT) is chronic granulomatous inflammation of the lymph nodes. The aim of the present study is to review the epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory features of patients with LNT retrospectively. The records of 138 patients admitted to tuberculos dispensary between 2005 and 2010 with the diagnosis of tuberculosis were reviewed retrospectively and LNT cases were investigated. Twenty one cases were identified with LNT. 13 patients were female (61.9%), 8 (38.1%) were male and mean age was 41 ± 21 years. The female to male ratio of LNT cases was 1.625 (13/8). The most common complaint was palpable mass on neck. Just cervical lymph nodes were the most frequently involved; in 15 (71.5%) patients. Only 2 cases have contact history with tuberculosis cases (9.5%) and two cases had a history of pulmonary tuberculosis (9.5%). After confirmation of diagnosis all patients were treated with combined anti-tuberculous therapy for at least six months. LNT is seen more frequently in females than males. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the neck masses.