Retropharyngeal Tuberculous Lymphadenitis Revealed by Obstructive Sleep Symptoms in a 12-Year-Old Girl: A Case Report
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Introduction: Cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis is the most common form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, but involvement of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes remains exceptional, particularly in children.Its nonspecific clinical presentation can lead to diagnostic delay, especially when it mimics an obstructive upper airway disorder. Case presentation:We report the case of a 12-year-old girl, with no significant past medical history, admitted for nocturnal snoring evolving over 2 months associated with episodes of dyspnea.Clinical examination revealed a bulging of the posterior oropharyngeal wall.Cervical computed tomography (CT) showed a necrotic left retropharyngeal lymph node suggestive of a tuberculous infectious origin.An incomplete retropharyngeal lymphadenectomy was performed, and histopathological examination confirmed necrotizing tuberculoid granulomatous inflammation.The patient was referred to a specialized tuberculosis treatment center for therapeutic management.Clinical evolution at 4 months showed marked regression of symptoms, radiologically confirmed by a decrease in the size of the retropharyngeal lymph node with resolution of the necrotic component.Conclusion: In children presenting with oropharyngeal obstructive symptoms, retropharyngeal tuberculous lymphadenitis should be considered, particularly in tuberculosis-endemic countries.Early diagnosis, based on imaging and histological confirmation, allows for appropriate management and avoids the need for extensive surgery.
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7203769370