Primary lymphatic tuberculosis in children - Literature overview and case report

Abstract

Tuberculosis bacilli can enter the human body through the digestive system, the skin, and the mucous membranes, although they mainly enter through the respiratory tract. TB bacilli can enter the bloodstream and attack other organs including the lymphatic system. The TB bacillus can cause miliary tuberculosis once they have entered the bloodstream and infiltrated the lymphatic system, which can then manifest as large lymph nodes in the hilum, mediastinum, and lung. Complicated primary TB infection occurs when enlarged lymph nodes compress the airways, causing a partial or complete obstruction that can lead to air retention or atelectasis. More serious complications can occur if the lymph nodes fill with pus and burst, as this can lead to TB spreading through the airways via a humoral mechanism. Making a differential diagnosis of hilar and mediastinal lymphadenopathy is often difficult because diagnostic interventions in this area are problematic. We report on a clinical case of a child with primary TB of the lymphatic system. The patient presented with mediastinal lymphadenopathy and miliary lesions in the lung, which was confirmed by a transthoracic biopsy performed under CT guidance. It is hoped that this report can provide doctors with a more comprehensive approach when diagnosing this disease.

Keywords

• Mycobacteria tuberculosis
• TB
• Lymph node TB
• Computed tomography
• Pulmonary tuberculosis
• Chest radiography