Is the initial size of tuberculous lymphadenopathy associated with lymph node enlargement during treatment?

Abstract

There are little data on the changes in lymph node (LN) size during the treatment of tuberculous lymphadenopathy (TB LAP). This study aimed to provide data on LN changes during treatment. Between March 2014 and December 2015, 20 patients who were diagnosed with cervical TB LAP were enrolled. LN enlargement within two months (50%, 4/8 vs. 8.3%, 1/12; P = 0.04) was more frequently observed in patients with initial LN size ≥7.5 cm2. Enlarged LNs were excised in three patients owing to pain and fistula formation. Initial LN size may be associated with LN enlargement during treatment.