[Diagnosis of lymphadenopathy in children: role of fine needle aspiration biopsy].

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenopathy in children can be a challenging clinical situation that requires a careful approach. AIM: To report the experience with fine needle aspiration biopsy for the diagnosis of lymphadenopathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Analysis of 95 pediatric patients, aged 3 months to 19 years old, referred by primary care physicians for the study of lymphadenopathy. All were subjected to a complete medical examination, laboratory tests and fine needle aspiration biopsy. RESULTS: Seventy seven per cent of enlarged lymph nodes were located in the neck. Fine needle aspiration showed a hyperplastic adenitis in 44 patients (46%). In 13 patients, an infectious adenitis, sometimes suppurated was observed. In 9 patients a BCG or tuberculous adenitis with caseum was found. In 13 patients, cytology disclosed a non lymphatic mass, in four patients a Hodgkin disease and in one, malignant cells of unknown origin. Four patients had a normal lymph node and in 2 the sample was insufficient for cytological analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is a simple and safe diagnostic method for lymphadenopathy in children.