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J Pediatr Infect Dis 2019; 14(02): 063-068
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1666808
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Pediatric Cervical Lymphadenitis

Shaina Hecht
1   Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United, States
2   Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Preeti Jaggi
1   Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital and The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United, States
2   Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
,
Patrick Walz
3   Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States
4   Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, United States
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

06 March 2017

04 April 2018

Publication Date:
06 July 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the head and neck region is a common presenting symptom in the pediatric population as the upper aerodigestive tract is a common source of inoculation of many infectious agents. While infectious processes—both viral and bacterial and both acute and chronic—are the most likely etiology of enlargement of cervical lymph nodes, other potential causes including inflammatory conditions and malignancy should be considered in the evaluation of cervical adenopathy. In this article, the anatomy and physiology as well as pathophysiology of the head and neck lymphatic system will be reviewed as this relates to clinical presentation of cervical lymphadenitis. Also, the myriad causes for cervical adenopathy will be discussed with a comprehensive review of the epidemiology of infectious etiologies. An evidence-based framework for the diagnostic workup and therapeutic interventions available to appropriately manage infectious cervical lymphadenitis will be reviewed, and the complications that can result from failure to adequately diagnose and treat cervical lymphadenitis will be discussed.

Keywords

lymphadenitis - cervical adenines - cervical lymphadenopathy
 

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