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mycobacterial neck abcess
Tuesday 1 February 2011
Atypical mycobacteria are found in about 4.7 per cent of pediatric neck abcess (17559713).
Management
Pediatric neck abscesses remain common problems that are sometimes difficult to manage.
Surgical excision of infected nodes is recommended for immunocompetent children with suppurative adenitis secondary to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and Mycobacterium scrofulaceum.
The temptation is great to incise and drain the abscess cavity when fluctuant involvement is present.
If this is done, a draining sinus usually persists until discharge of the involved lymph nodes beneath the skin has taken place over a period of months or years.
Careful attention should be paid to avoid any injury to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve because it is often adherent to the tract.
See also
Mycobacterium avium complex cervical lymphadenitis
References
Rustom IK, Sandoe JA, Makura ZG. Paediatric neck abscesses: microbiology and management. J Laryngol Otol. Jun 11 2007;1-5. PMID: 17559713