LpY Lee, WK Chiu, HB Chan

Abstract

Tuberculous lymphadenitis is not uncommonly diagnosed in children with cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. Despite effective treatment by anti-tuberculosis therapy, the tuberculous lymph nodes can paradoxically increase in size after initial clinical improvement. This phenomenon of paradoxical reaction during treatment is common among patients with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis. We report a case of tuberculous lymphadenitis, the disease course of which was complicated by paradoxical reaction. The clinical features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of paradoxical reaction were highlighted.