Tuberculous Cervical Lymphadenitis in Foreigners Living in Japan

Abstract

　　We treated two patients from foreign countries who had cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis. On CT, findings were strongly suggestive of this disease, although we could not detect Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (TB) itself in the lymph node by microscopic examination or culture. Definitive diagnosis was made by a combination of image evaluation, serological tests, pathological examination, and PCR test. The incidence of TB in Japan is gradually decreasing, but TB in resident aliens is increasing. Presently, almost 380,000 young foreigners work in Japan as technical intern trainees. Nearly all of these young people are in their twenties and come from countries where TB is highly prevalent. TB rarely presents as cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis, but it is common in young foreigners living in Japan.