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. 2009 Apr 18;11(3):183–189. doi: 10.1007/s11908-009-0028-0

Cervical lymphadenitis: Etiology, diagnosis, and management

Alexander K C Leung 1,✉, H Dele Davies
PMCID: PMC7089441  PMID: 19366560

Abstract

Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common problem in children. The condition most commonly represents a transient response to a benign local or generalized infection. Acute bilateral cervical lymphadenitis is usually caused by a viral upper respiratory tract infection or streptococcal pharyngitis. Acute unilateral cervical lymphadenitis is caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal infection in 40% to 80% of cases. Common causes of subacute or chronic lymphadenitis include cat-scratch disease and mycobacterial infection. Generalized lymphadenopathy is often caused by a viral infection, and less frequently by malignancies, collagen vascular diseases, and medications. Laboratory tests are not necessary in most children with cervical lymphadenopathy. Most cases of cervical lymphadenitis are self-limited and require no treatment. The treatment of acute bacterial cervical lymphadenitis without a known primary source should provide adequate coverage for both Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Keywords: Kawasaki Disease, Cervical Lymph Node, Lymphadenitis, Infectious Mononucleosis, Cervical Lymphadenopathy

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Articles from Current Infectious Disease Reports are provided here courtesy of Nature Publishing Group

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