Pediatria pre prax 3/2007

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSTICS OF LYMPHADENOPATHY

Lymph nodes in children are accessible for direct palpation already in healthy neonates. Lymphatic tissue develops with age and increases its volume until puberty. Palpable lymph nodes are often the concern for both, parents and physicians. However, enlarged lymph nodes are rarely of malignant underlying ethiology their differential diagnosis may be very complicated. The article is the review of the most common clinical settings associated with lymphadenopathy in paediatrics. Although, lymph node biopsy is a gold standard for final diagnosis making its specificity and sensitivity may be limited and some patients with negative bioptic findings require long term follow-up.

Keywords: lymphadenopathy, differential diagnostics, children.