Pediatr. praxi. 2025;26(2):82-86 | DOI: 10.36290/ped.2025.016

Cervical lymphadenitis in children

MUDr. Petr Škopek, MUDr. Tomáš Kostlivý, Ph.D., MUDr. Michal Riant, MUDr. Pavel Klail, MUDr. Petr Hrabačka, doc. MUDr. David Slouka, Ph.D., MBA

Klinika otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku, Fakultní nemocnice Plzeň, Lékařská fakulta v Plzni, Univerzita Karlova

Lymphadenopathy is the general name for pathological changes in the size and consistency of a lymph node. Lymph node involvement caused by an inflammatory process is termed lymphadenitis. The etiology of lymphadenitis is most often bacterial or viral. The route of infection may be by lymphogenous spread, direct microbial involvement of the lymph node, or reactive changes. Typical manifestations of the disease include lymph node enlargement, palpation tenderness, swelling, sometimes erythema of the surrounding skin or purulent secretion. Initial diagnosis involves clinical consideration based on history and physical examination. When necessary, laboratory tests are used to confirm the nature of the inflammation and to detect the infectious agent. The clinical examination with assessment of the number and location of lymph nodes, their size, mobility and palpation sensitivity is followed by ultrasonography, which is the first imaging modality used to more accurately assess the size, structure and vascularity of the lymph node. Only in the case of complicated findings or diagnostic confusion a computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could be used when indicated. Therapy of lymphadenitis is primarily conservative. Surgical intervention is necessary in case of nodal colicvation. In chronic lymphadenitis, resistant to therapy or if another etiology of lymphadenopathy is suspected, puncture biopsy or extirpation is indicated according to clinical judgment.

Keywords: lymphadenopathy, cervical lymphadenitis, childhood lymphadenitis, etiology, diagnosis, therapy.

Accepted: May 2, 2025; Published: May 6, 2025  Show citation