Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis

Case contributed by Vineet Prakash
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Left neck mass following a recent trip to Nepal.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female

USS Neck

ultrasound

Within the left supraclavicular fossa there is a hypoechoic collection with internal debris measuring 4 cm x 2 cm x 3.7 cm. No internal vascularity demonstrated.

Ultrasonic appearances are in keeping with an abscess.

CXR prior to commencing...

x-ray

CXR prior to commencing anti-tuberculous medication

Widening of the right paratracheal space in keeping lymphadenopathy.

Lungs clear.

Heart size normal.

Post treatment chest x-ray

x-ray

Resolution of the right paratracheal lymphadenopathy.

Lungs clear.

Case Discussion

Given the recent trip to Nepal, there was a high suspicion for TB. This was confirmed with a positive AAFB culture. 

The initial chest x-ray performed before diagnosis was reported as normal. However, interestingly, post 6 months treatment for TB, the mediastinum appears to have reduced in width.  

Case courtesy of Dr Hannah Burkey & Dr Mark Fellows

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