Nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis in children.

Objective: To describe the clinical and epidemiologic features, management and outcome associated with the development of nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) superficial lymphadenitis in children.

Methods: The medical records of all children 0 to 14 years of age with NTM superficial lymphadenitis who were diagnosed at P. and A. Kyriakou Children's Hospital between January, 1982, and December, 1997, were reviewed.

Results: Forty-seven children were identified, 76.5% during the second half of the study period. Mycobacterium avium complex was the predominant isolate. Children with NTM lymphadenitis noted satisfactory aesthetic results when total excision was performed within 1 month after its onset.

Conclusions: NTM superficial lymphadenitis in children has been increasingly recognized during the last decade. Prompt total excision of the involved lymph node is required in such patients.