Cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis: clinical determinants of incomplete surgical removal

Late recurrence in surgically managed pediatric atypical mycobacterial lymphadenitis: A case report and review of the literature

Objective

The purpose of this study is to identify existing literature on recurrent atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis to augment our understanding of a unique patient who presented to our tertiary-care center 5-years posttreatment with recurrence following curettage.

Data Sources

OVID Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Methods

A literature search was conducted yielding 49 original articles which were screened twice by two independent reviewers resulting in 14 studies meeting inclusion criteria for data extraction using Covidence software. Two independent reviewers extracted data on recurrence of atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis and consensus was reached on data points from all included studies.

Results

This study illuminated the paucity of recurrence reporting in the literature regarding atypical mycobacterial lymphadenitis. Sixteen studies identified in our review included discussions on recurrence with few elaborating beyond the rate of recurrence to describe their management. Fourteen out of sixteen studies provided recurrence rates for their cohort, 11 out of 14 specified the initial treatment modality, and only five out of eight studies that described initial treatment with surgery differentiated recurrence rates between complete and incomplete excision. The mean length of follow-up in the included studies was 20 months. There was one previously reported case of late recurrence at 5-years.

Conclusions

We identified few reports that discussed the management of recurrence of atypical mycobacterial cervicofacial lymphadenitis. There was minimal data on recurrence rates between surgical treatment modalities. The case discussed in our study showcases that treatment with curettage has the potential to present with late recurrence.

Current management of cervicofacial nontuberculous mycobacterial infections in the pediatric population

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to analyze and consolidate recently published literature to provide updated guidelines on the diagnosis and management of nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis (NTM LAD) in the pediatric population and to suggest areas of further research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Diagnosis of NTM LAD relies on a detailed clinical history, physical examination, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques. Treatment strategies vary widely, with a shift towards complete surgical excision being observed due to its higher cure rate, improved aesthetic outcomes, and lower recurrence rates. However, patient-specific factors must be considered. The role of genetic factors, such as Mendelian susceptibility to mycobacterial disease (MSMD), is being increasingly recognized and could lead to targeted therapies.

SUMMARY

Despite strides in the understanding and management of NTM LAD, substantial gaps remain in key areas such as the role of diagnostic imaging, optimal treatment parameters, postoperative care, and surveillance strategies. In this article, we explain our approach to NTM using the most relevant evidence-based medicine while offering directions for future work.