All issues > Volume 45(8); 2002

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 2002;45(8):994-999. Published online August 15, 2002.

Clinical Features of Subacute Necrotizing Lymphadenitis in Children

Ji Young JY Hong¹, Sun Hwan SH Bae¹, Wan Sup WS Kim²

¹Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Eulji University, Seoul, Korea

Correspondence Sun Hwan SH Bae ,Email: bsh3209@eulji.or.kr

Abstract

Purpose
: There is a predilection for subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis(SNL) in young Asian women. Few pediatric cases have been reported. This study was performed to evaluate clinical features of children with SNL.
Methods
: We retrospectively analyzed clinical features of 23 cases of SNL under 15 years of age identified in Nowon Eulji Hospital from February 1995 to January 2002. Two cases were diagnosed by excisional biopsy and 21 cases by fine needle aspiration.
Results
: The ages ranged from 14 months to 14 years(mean 8.1?.8 years). The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.6. Ten cases(10/23) were diagnosed in 2000. The onset was more frequent in spring. The common presenting symptoms were neck mass(22/23), pain(12/20) and fever(8/18). Fever subsided within two weeks in seven out of eight and lymphadenopathy resolved within five months in 14 out of 15. The mean WBC count was 7,664?,454/mm3. Elevated levels of ESR(10/ 12) and lactate dehydrogenase(5/6) and positive reaction for CRP(3/4) were frequent. Radiologically measured greatest diameter of the enlarged lymph nodes was less than 2 cm in 14 out of 15. One case occurred in a child with alopecia areata and one case with type 1 diabetes. Clinical outcomes were good in 23 cases.
Conclusion
: SNL should be considered in children with cervical lymphadenopathy regardless of fever or pain. SNL seems not rare in pediatric groups in Korea.

Keywords :Subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis, Children