[Mediastinal lymphadenopathy: Do not forget tularemia!].
Rev Mal Respir 2021;
38:204-209. [PMID:
33581986 DOI:
10.1016/j.rmr.2020.11.013]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION
Mediastinal lymphadenopathy is a common cause of referral to the pulmonologist. In addition to more frequent aetiologies such as malignancy, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and lymphoma, unusual causes must be considered, especially in specific contexts.
CASE SERIES
We report the cases of three young patients referred to our pulmonology department for the assessment of hypermetabolic mediastinal lymphadenopathy. The context of the onset of symptoms (tick bite, contact with an infected animal) as well as paraclinical investigations (Francisella tularensis serology) made it possible to make a diagnosis of tularemia. The clinical and radiological evolution was favourable in all three cases. Tularemia is a rare but currently re-emerging infection caused by a Gram negative coccobacillus, Francisella tularensis. Human contamination occurs mainly through contact with infected animals or by tick bites. The diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms (fever, diffuse myalgia) are non-specific, and is based on serology and an appropriate clinical context. Treatment is based on ciprofloxacin or doxycycline.
CONCLUSION
The diagnosis of tularemia must be considered in the presence of lymphadenopathy occurring after a tick bite or contact with an infected animal.
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