Tuberculosis abdominal en pediatría: presentación de un caso / Abdominal tuberculosis in pediatrics: A case report

La tuberculosis es una enfermedad infectocontagiosa cuya forma de presentación más frecuente es la pulmonar; la afectación abdominal es poco frecuente, por lo que su diagnóstico continúa siendo un desafío. Las manifestaciones clínicas de la tuberculosis abdominal así como sus hallazgos en el examen físico suelen ser inespecíficos y, en muchas ocasiones, similares a los de otras patologías, por lo que es fundamental considerarla entre los diagnósticos diferenciales. Se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 15 años de edad, hospitalizado por un síndrome febril prolongado asociado a dolor abdominal, diarrea, sudoración nocturna y pérdida de peso

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which most commonly compromises the respiratory system, whereas abdominal involvement is rare, thus its diagnosis is a challenge. The clinical manifestations of abdominal tuberculosis as well as its physical examination findings are usually non-specific and, frequently, similar to those of other diseases, so it is critical to consider abdominal tuberculosis among the differential diagnoses. Here we report the clinical case of a 15-year-old male patient hospitalized for a prolonged febrile syndrome associated with abdominal pain, diarrhea, night sweats, and weight loss.

Comparison of different diagnostic modalities for isolation of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis among suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis patients / Comparação de diferentes modalidades de diagnóstico para isolamento de Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre pacientes com suspeita de linfadenite tuberculosa

Abstract Tuberculosis is a communicable disease with high morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries. The study's primary objective is to compare conventional methods such as acid-fast bacillus (AFB) culture and microscopy with rapid diagnostic methods. The secondary objective is to compare histopathological and microbiological findings in suspected patients with tubercular lymphadenitis. A total of 111 samples (August 2018 to September 2019) of lymph nodes were processed for AFB microscopy, AFB cultures, drug-susceptibility testing (DST), histopathology, and Xpert Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB)/resistance to Rifampin (RIF) assays. Out of 111 lymph node samples, 6 (5.4%) were positive for AFB smear microscopy, 84 (75.6%) were positive for AFB culture, 80 (70.7%) were positive on Gene Xpert, and 102 (91.8%) were indicative of tuberculosis for histopathology studies. Mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) culture positivity was 84 (75.6%) higher than solid Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture 74 (66.6%). Positive cultures underwent phenotypic DST. Two cases were Multidrug-resistant (MDR) on DST, while three cases were Rifampicin resistant on Gene Xpert. The sensitivity of Genexpert was (62%) against the conventional AFB culture method. The poor performance of conventional lymphadenitis diagnostic methods requires early and accurate diagnostic methodology. Xpert MTB/RIF test can help in the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB cases. Nonetheless, rapid and conventional methods should be used for complete isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Resumo A tuberculose é uma doença transmissível com altas taxas de morbimortalidade nos países em desenvolvimento. O objetivo principal do estudo é comparar métodos convencionais, como cultura de bacilo álcool-ácido resistente (BAAR) e microscopia, com métodos de diagnóstico rápido. O objetivo secundário é comparar os achados histopatológicos e microbiológicos em pacientes com suspeita de linfadenite tubercular. Um total de 111 amostras (agosto de 2018 a setembro de 2019) de gânglios linfáticos foi processado ​​para microscopia de AFB, culturas de AFB, teste de susceptibilidade a drogas (DST), histopatologia e Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/ensaios de resistência à rifampicina (RIF). Das 111 amostras de linfonodos, 6 (5,4%) foram positivas para baciloscopia de AFB, 84 (75,6%) foram positivas para cultura de AFB, 80 (70,7%) foram positivas para o GeneXpert e 102 (91,8%) foram indicativas de tuberculose para estudos histopatológicos. A positividade da cultura do tubo indicador de crescimento de micobactérias (MGIT) foi 84 (75,6%), maior que a cultura sólida de Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ), 74 (66,6%). As culturas positivas foram submetidas a DST fenotípico. Dois casos eram multirresistentes (MDR) ao DST, enquanto três casos eram resistentes à rifampicina no GeneXpert. A sensibilidade do GeneXpert foi 62% contra o método convencional de cultura AFB. O fraco desempenho dos métodos convencionais de diagnóstico de linfadenite requer metodologia de diagnóstico precoce e precisa. O teste Xpert MTB/RIF pode ajudar no tratamento de casos de tuberculose multirresistente. No entanto, métodos rápidos e convencionais devem ser usados ​​para o isolamento completo do Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Comparison of different diagnostic modalities for isolation of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis among suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis patients / Comparação de diferentes modalidades de diagnóstico para isolamento de Mycobacterium tuberculosis entre pacientes com suspeita de linfadenite tuberculosa

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease with high morbidity and mortality rates in developing countries. The study's primary objective is to compare conventional methods such as acid-fast bacillus (AFB) culture and microscopy with rapid diagnostic methods. The secondary objective is to compare histopathological and microbiological findings in suspected patients with tubercular lymphadenitis. A total of 111 samples (August 2018 to September 2019) of lymph nodes were processed for AFB microscopy, AFB cultures, drug-susceptibility testing (DST), histopathology, and Xpert Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (MTB)/resistance to Rifampin (RIF) assays. Out of 111 lymph node samples, 6 (5.4%) were positive for AFB smear microscopy, 84 (75.6%) were positive for AFB culture, 80 (70.7%) were positive on Gene Xpert, and 102 (91.8%) were indicative of tuberculosis for histopathology studies. Mycobacteria growth indicator tube (MGIT) culture positivity was 84 (75.6%) higher than solid Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) culture 74 (66.6%). Positive cultures underwent phenotypic DST. Two cases were Multidrug-resistant (MDR) on DST, while three cases were Rifampicin resistant on Gene Xpert. The sensitivity of Genexpert was (62%) against the conventional AFB culture method. The poor performance of conventional lymphadenitis diagnostic methods requires early and accurate diagnostic methodology. Xpert MTB/RIF test can help in the treatment of multidrug-resistant TB cases. Nonetheless, rapid and conventional methods should be used for complete isolation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

A tuberculose é uma doença transmissível com altas taxas de morbimortalidade nos países em desenvolvimento. O objetivo principal do estudo é comparar métodos convencionais, como cultura de bacilo álcool-ácido resistente (BAAR) e microscopia, com métodos de diagnóstico rápido. O objetivo secundário é comparar os achados histopatológicos e microbiológicos em pacientes com suspeita de linfadenite tubercular. Um total de 111 amostras (agosto de 2018 a setembro de 2019) de gânglios linfáticos foi processado para microscopia de AFB, culturas de AFB, teste de susceptibilidade a drogas (DST), histopatologia e Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)/ensaios de resistência à rifampicina (RIF). Das 111 amostras de linfonodos, 6 (5,4%) foram positivas para baciloscopia de AFB, 84 (75,6%) foram positivas para cultura de AFB, 80 (70,7%) foram positivas para o GeneXpert e 102 (91,8%) foram indicativas de tuberculose para estudos histopatológicos. A positividade da cultura do tubo indicador de crescimento de micobactérias (MGIT) foi 84 (75,6%), maior que a cultura sólida de Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ), 74 (66,6%). As culturas positivas foram submetidas a DST fenotípico. Dois casos eram multirresistentes (MDR) ao DST, enquanto três casos eram resistentes à rifampicina no GeneXpert. A sensibilidade do GeneXpert foi 62% contra o método convencional de cultura AFB. O fraco desempenho dos métodos convencionais de diagnóstico de linfadenite requer metodologia de diagnóstico precoce e precisa. O teste Xpert MTB/RIF pode ajudar no tratamento de casos de tuberculose multirresistente. No entanto, métodos rápidos e convencionais devem ser usados para o isolamento completo do Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Fine needle non-aspiration cytology for the diagnosis of cervical lymph node tuberculosis: a single center experience / Punção não aspirativa com agulha fina para o diagnóstico de tuberculose linfonodal cervical: experiência de centro único

Abstract Introduction: The fine-needle cytology is being used as a first line of investigation in the diagnosis of head and neck swellings, as it is simple, cost effective and less invasive as compared to biopsy. Objective: The aims of this study were to evaluate the results of the fine-needle non-aspiration cytology of cervical lymphadenopathy and to study the factors influencing the rate of non-diagnosis results. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted on selected patients with cervical lymphadenopathy that had undergone a fine-needle non-aspiration cytology followed by a histological biopsy. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of fine-needle non-aspiration cytology for diagnosing tuberculosis were estimated. The risk factors of non-diagnosis results were evaluated. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value rates of fine-needle non-aspiration cytology for tuberculosis were 83.3%, 83.3%, 78.9% and 86.9% respectively. In total, 47 out of the 131 samples (35.8%) were considered non-diagnosis. Of the non-diagnosis samples, 84.2% (38 out of 47) were benign mostly due to tuberculosis (30 cases). Among the studied factors, only tuberculosis (confirmed by histopathological examination) was significantly associated with non-diagnosis cytology (p = 0.02, Odds-Ratio = 2.35). Conclusion: Tuberculosis is currently the commonest cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in North Africa. Fine-needle non-aspiration cytology is safe and accurate in the diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymph node that is associated with the risk of non-diagnosis cytology.

Resumo Introdução: A punção não aspirativa com agulha fina tem sido utilizada como primeira linha de investigação no diagnóstico de tumores de cabeça e pescoço, por ser uma técnica simples, custo-efetiva e menos invasiva quando comparada à biópsia. Objetivo: Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os resultados de citologia por punção não-aspirativa com agulha fina de linfadenopatias cervicais e estudar os fatores que influenciam a taxa de falha diagnóstica. Método: Este estudo retrospectivo foi realizado em pacientes selecionados com linfadenopatia cervical submetidos a punção não aspirativa com agulha fina, seguida por biópsia histológica. Foram estimadas a sensibilidade, especificidade, o valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo da punção não aspirativa com agulha fina para o diagnóstico de tuberculose. Os fatores de risco dos resultados com falha diagnóstica foram avaliados. Resultados: As taxas de sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e valor preditivo negativo da punção não aspirativa com agulha fina para tuberculose foram de 83,3%, 83,3%, 78,9% e 86,9%, respectivamente. Das 131 amostras, 47 (35,8%) foram consideradas como falha diagnóstica. Das amostras não diagnosticadas, 84,2% (38 de 47) eram benignas, principalmente devido à tuberculose (30 casos). Entre os fatores estudados, apenas a tuberculose (confirmada pelo exame histopatológico) estava significativamente associada à citologia com falha diagnóstica (p = 0,02, odds ratio = 2,35). Conclusão: A tuberculose é atualmente a causa mais comum de linfadenopatia cervical no norte da África. A punção não aspirativa com agulha fina é uma técnica segura e precisa no diagnóstico de linfonodos cervicais associados ao risco de citologia com falha diagnóstica.

Coinfección por lepra y tuberculosis ganglionar en un adulto / Leprosy and ganglionar tuberculosis coinfection in an adult

Se describe el caso clínico de un paciente de 34 años de edad, quien acudió a consulta de Dermatología por presentar máculas eritematosas pruriginosas generalizadas. A los 3 meses con tratamiento específico comenzó a presentar febrículas vespertinas y adenopatías cervicales dolorosas, por lo que se indicó una baciloscopia en ambos codos y pabellones auriculares, pero no se halló el Mycobacterium leprae; además se realizó biopsia por aspiración con aguja fina de un ganglio cervical, cuyo resultado reveló una tuberculosis ganglionar. Finalmente se diagnosticó una coinfección por lepra y tuberculosis ganglionar, dos enfermedades producidas por el Mycobacterium, cuya coexistencia es rara.

The case report of a 34 year-old patient is described who came to the Dermatology Service due to disseminated pruritic erythematous stains. After 3 months with specific treatment he began to present evening low fevers and painful cervical adenopathies, reason why a baciloscopy was indicated in both elbows and ear pavilions, but the Mycobacterium leprae was not found; besides aspiration biopsy with fine needle of a cervical ganglion was also carried out, which result revealed a ganglionar tuberculosis. Finally a leprosy and tuberculosis ganglionar coinfection was diagnosed, two diseases emerging due to the Mycobacterium, which coexistence is strange.

Escrófula facial en paciente pediátrico / Facialscrofula in pediatric patient

El escrofuloderma es una tuberculosis subcutánea que origina abscesos fríos y destrucción secundaria de la piel suprayacente, resultado de la extensión a la piel de un foco contiguo, por lo general linfático u óseo. Con frecuencia va a la fistulización y es de evolución crónica, a menudo de años, aunque puede ocurrir curación espontánea. El escrofuloderma es la forma clínica más frecuente de la tuberculosis cutánea. Se presenta el caso de una niña de cinco años de edad con nódulos en la región parotídea izquierda de cuatro meses de evolución, acompañado de sensación de alza térmica, con PPD de 27 mm, radiografía de tórax normal y confirmación bacteriológica de Mycobacterium tuberculosis por cultivo en medio de Lowenstein-Jensen. Se indicó tratamiento con isoniazida, rifampicina, piraslnamida y etambutol por seis meses (esquema l-Programa de Control de Tuberculosis) con remisión de lesiones. Este caso de una paciente con escrofuloderma facial, cuya forma de presentación implica varias posibilidades diagnósticas, constituye un reto importante para el especialista.

The scrofuloderma (SD) is a subcutaneous tuberculosis originating cold abscesses and secondary destruction of skin overlying, result of the extension to the skin of a contiguous focus; usually lymphatic or bone, with frequent fistulization and chronic evolution, often years, spontaneous healing, it is the most common clinical form of cutaneous tuberculosis. We present the case of a girl of 5 years of age with nodules in 4 months left parotid region, accompanied by feeling of thermal soaring with PPD 27 mm, x-ray chest normal and bacteriological confirmation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by crop Lowenstein-Jensen. Treatment with isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol for 6 months (diagram l-program of Tuberculosis Control) was indicated with remission of lesions. This case of a patient with facial SD, whose way of presentation implies several potential diagnostic being a major for the specialist challenge.

Tuberculose lymphonodale cervicale chez les enfants vaccines par le BCG

La tuberculose ganglionnaire cervicale est une localisation extrapulmonaire relativement frequente chez l'enfant. Elle pose essentiellement des difficultes de prevention. L'objectif de ce travail est d'etudier les particularites diagnostiques et therapeutiques chez des enfants vaccines par le BCG. Materiel et methodes: Notre etude retrospective porte sur 23 cas de tuberculose ganglionnaire chez des enfants vaccines; colliges sur une periode de 10 ans allant de 2002 a 2011. Resultats : La moyenne d'age des enfants etait de 8 ans. Le delai de consultation etait en moyenne de 1 mois. Seize enfants presentaient une polyadenopathie cervicale bilaterale. L'echographie cervicale a objective une necrose intra ganglionnaire dans 17 cas. Le diagnostic de tuberculose ganglionnaire a ete confirme par l'examen anatomopathologique d'une piece d'adenectomie dans tous les cas. Aucun des enfants n'a presente de forme grave ou compliquee. Un traitement antituberculeux selon le schema national a ete instaure dans tous les cas. L'evolution a ete favorable dans tous les cas. Conclusion : Malgre tous les efforts deployes par notre pays pour la lutte contre la tuberculose; cette derniere sevit toujours a l'etat endemique. La vaccination par le BCG a permis de diminuer considerablement le nombre des formes graves mais ne protege pas parfaitement contre cette maladie

A case of obstructive jaundice caused by tuberculous lymphadenitis: A literature review

Obstructive jaundice caused by tuberculous lymphadenitis is a rare manifestation of tuberculosis (TB), with 15 cases having been reported in Korea. We experienced a case of obstructive jaundice caused by pericholedochal tuberculous lymphadenitis in a 30-year-old man. The patient's initial serum total bilirubin level was 21.1 mg/dL. Abdominal computed tomography revealed narrowing of the bile duct by a conglomerated soft-tissue mass involving the main portal vein. Abrupt obstruction of the common bile duct was observed on cholangiography. Pathologic analysis of a ultrasonography-guided biopsy sample revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation, and an endoscopic examination revealed esophageal varices and active duodenal ulceration, the pathology of which was chronic noncaseating granulomatous inflammation. Hepaticojejunostomy was performed and pathologic analysis of the conglomerated soft-tissue mass revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation with caseation of the lymph nodes. Tuberculous lymphadenitis should be considered in patients presenting with obstructive jaundice in an endemic area.

Rapid culture diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis from a tertiary care centre in an endemic nation: Potential and pitfalls.

In spite of low sensitivity and specificity, standard diagnostic algorithm recommends fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and direct microscopic screening for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) for the routine diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenopathy (LNTB). In this study, the diagnostic utility of liquid broth based automated culture (BacT/ALERT 3D) technique was assessed in comparison with conventional techniques in 89 clinically suspected tubercular lymphadenitis patients. 60% (n = 53) were positive by FNAC and 38.4% (n = 34) demonstrated AFB in smear examination. BacT/ALERT yielded isolation in 43.1% (n = 38) aspirates, confirming tubercular aetiology. We also found six paediatric culture-positive cases which showed negative outcome by both FNAC and smear. Thus, we conclude that culture by BacT/ALERT, may be used for faster yield of Mycobacteria in LNTB, especially in children. Additionally, this could also be used as a platform for further differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis from non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection and for testing of anti-tubercular chemotherapeutic agents whenever drug resistance is suspected.

Tuberculosis ganglionar cervical: ¿Pensamos en ella, o nos sorprende? / Neck node tuberculosis: do we consider it... or does it pop up?

Revisamos las características clínicas, diagnóstico y manejo de la tuberculosis (TB) cervical, así como resaltamos su importancia por su carácter epidémico. Presentamos dos pacientes afectados por tumoraciones laterocervicales subagudas, escasa sintomatología y excelente evolución tras su diagnóstico de TB ganglionar cervical y tratamiento antibiótico. La TB es una enfermedad que en la actual sociedad globalizada, puede encontrarse prácticamente cualquier especialista, por lo que debemos mantener un alto nivel de alerta y conocerla con detalle, para poder orientar su diagnóstico y facilitar su tratamiento precoz.

We review tuberculosis clinical features, diagnosis and management as well as remark the importance of its epidemic nature. Study based on 2 patients suffering from eye-catching subacute neck lumps, sparsely symptomatic and excellent evolution after neck node TB diagnosis and antibiotic therapy TB represents a disease that, given our present time globalization, may be faced by many different specialists. That is why we must be on alert and be aware of its profile, in order to guess the right diagnosis and offer therapy.

Linfadenitis axilar primaria tuberculosa, dificultades en el diagnóstico: presentación de un caso / Tuberculous primary axillary lymphadenitis: their difficulties in diagnosis

La linfadenitis axilar primaria tuberculosa sin otra enfermedad asociada, es una enfermedad infrecuente.Objetivo: presentar un caso de linfadenitis axilar primaria de origen tuberculoso en una paciente.Caso Clínico: paciente de 25 años, femenina, de piel blanca, con antecedentes de haber sido ingresada hace tres años por síndrome adenico por lo cual fue estudiada, al año de su egreso presenta adenopatías en la región lateral derecha del cuello, es estudiada por consulta externa donde se le realizó múltiples exámenes, estudio histopatológico de ganglio, imagenológicos etc., diagnosticándole una adenitis inespecífica. Es ingresada por presentar una tumoración en axila derecha de más o menos 4,5 a 5cm, de aproximadamente un año de evolución, con crecimiento lento, lobular que no ocasiona ningún tipo de molestias.Conclusiones: la tuberculosis extrapulmonar es infrecuente. La afectación ganglionar es mayormente reportada pero sobre todo en los ganglios del cuello, muy rara en la región axilar. La presentación clínica por lo regular es asintomática. El diagnóstico definitivo viene dado por la epidemiología, prueba de tuberculina, la imagenología y fundamentalmente la histopatología, ya que esta enfermedad tiene un gran número importante de diagnósticos diferenciales

Tuberculous primary axillary lymphadenitis without other associate manifestation is a rare disease.Objective: to present a case of primary axillary lymphadenitis caused by tuberculosis in a patient.Clinical case: 25 years-old, female, white skin patient admitted three years ago by adenic syndrome, after a year of being discharge she presented adenopathy in the right lateral region of the neck, she was studied by external consultation where multiple tests were carried out like: histopathological study of the ganglion, imaging etc., diagnosing a nonspecific adenitis. She is admitted by presenting a right axillary tumor of 4.5- 5 cm, approximately with one year of evolution, with slow, lobular growth that does not cause any kind of discomfort.Conclusions: extrapulmonary tuberculosis is uncommon. The ganglionic form is the most reported, particularly those in the neck, very rare in the axillary region. The clinical presentation usually has no symptoms. The epidemiology, tuberculin test, imaging and mainly histopathology give the definitive diagnosis; because this disease has a great number of differential diagnoses

Abordagem diagnóstica da tuberculose pleural, ganglionar, renal e de sistema nervoso central / Diagnostic Approach to Tuberculosis in the Pleura, Lymph Nodes, Kidneys, and Central Nervous System

O objetivo do presente artigo foi relatar a abordagem diagnóstica da tuberculose pleural, ganglionar, renal e do sistema nervoso central. A forma mais frequente entre essas formas de tuberculose no Brasil é a tuberculose pleural, cujo diagnóstico na prática clínica baseia-se no exame histopatológico, com uma alternativa relatada nos últimos anos: a dosagem da enzima adenosina desaminase. A maioria dos achados laboratoriais encontrados implica na condição paucibacilar dessas formas extrapulmonares

The objective of this study was to report the diagnostic approach to tuberculosis of the pleura, lymph nodes, kidneys, and central nervous system. In Brazil, the most common extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis is that afecting the pleura. In clinical practice, pleural tuberculosis is typically diagnosed on the basis of the histopathological examination. However, in recent years, the determination of adenosine deaminase levels has been used as an alternative. Most laboratory indings indicate that these extrapulmonary forms are paucibacillary

A study of tubercular lymphadenitis: A comparison of various laboratory diagnostic modalities with a special reference to tubercular polymerase chain reaction.

Objective: The purpose of our study was to compare various laboratory diagnostic methods, namely histopathological examination, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) stain, AFB culture by conventional Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) method and fluorescence-based mycobacterial growth indicator tube (MGIT) technique and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in clinically suspected cases of tubercular lymphadenitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 65 lymph nodes biopsied from patients clinically suspected of having tubercular lymph nodes were included. Specimens were processed for AFB culture after NaOH-NALC concentration and inoculation on LJ medium and using the MGIT system. PCR was performed on all specimens using a commercial nested PCR kit targeting IS6110 insertion element of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. All lymph node specimens were subjected to histopathological examination. Results: Of the 65 lymph nodes, 37 (56.9%) were positive on MGIT culture and 45 (69.2%) were positive by PCR. Histopathology showed maximum sensitivity (96%) but with compromised specificity (78.5%). PCR showed 90.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The mean turnaround time for mycobacterial growth in smear negative specimens was 30 days determined by LJ and 20 days by MGIT techniques. Conclusion: PCR is a rapid and useful method for diagnosis of TB lymphadenitis and definitely increases the positive predictive value of a positive histopathology report. MGIT is better than LJ culture as regards time to positivity and higher yield.

HIV-associated tuberculous lymphadenitis: the importance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a complementary tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis - a study of 104 patients / Linfadenite tuberculosa associada ao HIV: a importância da reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) como ferramenta complementar para o diagnóstico da tuberculose - estudo de 104 pacientes

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenitis is common in HIV-positive patients. Diagnosis of the infections associated with this condition is complex, particularly in the case of tuberculosis. Rapid and specific detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is fundamental in ensuring adequate treatment. In addition, frequent causes of lymphadenitis such as those associated with lymphoma and histoplasmosis, among others, must be eliminated as possible causes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of polymerase chain reaction as a tool for the diagnosis of lymphadenitis resulting from M. tuberculosis. METHODS: In this study, a protocol was developed using the following procedures: direct microscopy using Ziehl-Neelsen staining, culture in Lowenstein-Jensen medium, histology and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included in the study. According to histopathology, 38 patients (36 percent) were found to have nonspecific chronic lymphadenitis, 27 (26 percent) had tuberculous lymphadenitis, 11 patients (10.5 percent) had lymphoma and 9 (8.7 percent) had histoplasmosis. When Lowenstein-Jensen culture was performed, positive tests for tuberculous lymphadenitis increased by 30 percent. With polymerase chain reaction, M. tuberculosis DNA was detected in 6 out of 38 samples of non-specific chronic lymphadenitis. Three of these patients were followed up, developed symptoms of tuberculosis and were cured following specific treatment. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study suggest that all cases of lymphadenopathies should be submitted to histopathology, Lowenstein-Jensen or Ogawa culture and polymerase chain reaction. Polymerase chain reaction may prove to be useful in providing an early and accurate detection of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients with lymphadenopathies, avoiding empirical treatment and the possible development of resistant strains.

FUNDAMENTOS: A linfadenite é comum em pacientes HIV-positivos. O diagnóstico das infecções associadas a essa condição é complexo, especialmente em relação à tuberculose. A detecção rápida e específica do Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) é essencial para o tratamento adequado. Além disso, frequentes causas de linfadenites tais como as relacionadas a linfoma, histoplasmose, e outras, devem ser afastadas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a importância da biópsia cirúrgica excisional das linfadenites e realização dos exames histopatológicos, exames baciloscópicos (Ziehl-Neelsen), cultura (Lowenstein-Jensen) e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) com finalidade diagnostica MÉTODOS: Desenvolveu-se um protocolo para biópsias excisionais de linfonodos, adotando-se os seguintes procedimentos: exame direto de esfregaços corados pelo método de Ziehl-Neelsen, cultura em meio de Lowenstein-Jensen, exame anátomo-patológico e PCR. RESULTADOS: Ao todo foram incluídos 104 pacientes, e o exame histopatológico evidenciou 36 por cento (n = 38 pacientes) de casos de linfadenite crônica inespecífica, 26 por cento (n = 27) de linfadenite tuberculosa, 10,5 por cento (n =11) de linfoma e 8,7 por cento (n = 9) de histoplasmose. Através da cultura no meio de Lowenstein-Jensen, os casos positivos para linfadenite tuberculosa aumentaram para 30 por cento. A PCR detectou M. tuberculosis em 6 das 38 amostras de linfadenite crônica inespecífica. Três desses pacientes foram acompanhados, exibiram sintomas de tuberculose e foram curados após tratamento específico. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos neste trabalho sugerem que em todos os casos de linfadenopatia deve-se realizar exame histopatológico, cultura em Lowenstein-Jensen ou Ogawa e reação em cadeia da polimerase. A reação em cadeia da polimerase pode ser útil na detecção precoce e acurada de casos de TB extrapulmonar nos pacientes HIV-positivos com linfadenopatias, evitando-se o uso de tratamentos empíricos e o eventual desenvolvimento de cepas resistentes.

Linfadenopatía tuberculosa: diagnóstico y tratamiento: informe de un caso / Tuberculous lymphadenopathy: diagnosis and treatment: case report

La tuberculosis es una causa importante de morbimortalidad en los niños; sobre todo, en los países en vías de desarrollo, en donde se produce el 95 por ciento de los casos. La tuberculosis infantilestá íntimamente ligada a la del adulto, puesto que su diagnóstico es un indicador de una mala vigilancia, un tratamiento deficiente y un magro esfuerzo por erradicarla. La más comúnde las formas extrapulmonares es la linfadenopatía tuberculosa o tuberculosis ganglionar.Presentamos el caso de un lactante con diagnóstico de linfadenitis tuberculosa diseminada, realizado mediante biopsia quirúrgica de ganglio axilar. Medicado con fármacos antituberculosos de primera línea, se logró la curación completa del paciente.

Tuberculosis is a common cause of morbimortality among children, especially in developing countries, where 95% of cases occur. Child tuberculosis is closely related to tuberculosis in the adult, since the diagnosis is an indicator of poor surveillance, treatment, and effort to eradicate it. Tuberculous lymphadenitis (tuberculosis of the lymph node) is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We describe the case of an infant diagnosed with disseminated tuberculous lymphadenitis, by axillary lymph node excisional biopsy. Medical treatment firstline antituberculosis drugs with allowed complete healing of the patient.