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Cervical lymphadenitis: Etiology, diagnosis, and management

Current Infectious Disease Reports volume 11, pages 183–189 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common problem in children. The condition most commonly represents a transient response to a benign local or generalized infection. Acute bilateral cervical lymphadenitis is usually caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection or streptococcal pharyngitis. Acute unilateral cervical lymphadenitis is caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal infection in 40% to 80% of cases. Common causes of subacute or chronic lymphadenitis include cat-scratch disease and mycobacterial infection. Generalized lymphadenopathy is often caused by a viral infection, and less frequently by malignancies, collagen vascular diseases, and medications. Laboratory tests are not necessary in most children with cervical lymphadenopathy. Most cases of cervical lymphadenitis are self-limited and require no treatment. The treatment of acute bacterial cervical lymphadenitis without a known primary source should provide adequate coverage for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

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Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Alberta Children’s Hospital, Room 200, 233 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, T2M 0H5

    Alexander K. C. Leung

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  1. Alexander K. C. Leung
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  2. H. Dele Davies
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Correspondence to Alexander K. C. Leung.

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Leung, A.K.C., Davies, H.D. Cervical lymphadenitis: Etiology, diagnosis, and management. Curr Infect Dis Rep 11, 183–189 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11908-009-0028-0

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Keywords

  • Kawasaki Disease
  • Cervical Lymph Node
  • Lymphadenitis
  • Infectious Mononucleosis
  • Cervical Lymphadenopathy