Thoracoscopic assessment of mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis in a 4-month-old child.

ABSTRACT

Isolated mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis is a relatively common entity in children, second in frequency after cervical localization. In the absence of an accompanying parenchymal lesion, mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis may pose a diagnostic dilemma on admission and must be distinguished from other causes of mediastinal masses. Bronchoscopy is suggested as a diagnostic tool where tuberculosis cannot be excluded by radiology or specific skin tests. Thoracotomy and excision is reported as necessary to treat the obstructive symptoms. In this report, the diagnostic and therapeutic feasibility of thoracoscopic mediastinal node biopsy in a 4-month-old presenting mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis is reported.