Tuberculosis of the Lymphatics in Children; Its Relation to Spinal Tuberculosis

A Clinico-Radiological Study

¹ Quezon City Philippines

An anatomic-clinico-radiologic review is presented suggesting an intriguing relationship between lymphatic tuberculosis and spinal tuberculosis. Although our present knowledge of lymphoid structures is at best limited if not controversial, an attempt is made to discuss its function, topography, its circulation and its involvement insofar as tuberculosis is concerned. It may be possible that spinal tuberculosis can be demonstrated in the future to represent a direct extension of tuberculous infection of the vertebral bodies resulting from thrombotic focalization in prevertebral lymphatic tissues.

Eighty-eight cases of spinal tuberculosis in Filipino children are the main subjects of this report. The methodology has resided by and large upon radiologic and clinical evidence.

The significant lesson to be learned from this study is to be aware of the possible existence of spinal tuberculosis in all children regardless of age yielding either clinical or radiologic evidence of mediastinal, mesenteric and/or cervical lymphadenopathy. Such children should receive the benefit of detailed radiologic, bacteriologic, histopathologic survey so as to ascertain the presence or absence of early spinal tuberculosis.