Investigation of a Peculiar Case of Childhood Lymphadenopathy

Authors

Chade Aribo, University of California RiversideFollow
Alonso Al, Riverside Community HospitalFollow
Allison Woodall, Riverside Community HospitalFollow
Tommy Y. Kim, Children's Hospital of Orange CountyFollow

Keywords

lymphatic diseases; neoplasms; dendritic cells/pathology; hematologic neoplasms; leukemia; pediatrics

Disciplines

Emergency Medicine | Hematology | Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases | Medical Sciences | Neoplasms | Oncology | Pediatrics

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphadenopathy is a common physical finding often associated with an infectious etiology. We present a case of a patient with generalized cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy diagnosed with a rare malignancy. Health care providers should be aware of some uncommon historical or physical examination findings that warrant further investigation.

Clinical Findings: A 16-year-old female presented to the emergency department with 3 days of a fever, congestion and sore throat with swelling around the jaw. Her physical examination findings included bilateral mandibular swelling and generalized cervical lymphadenopathy with palpable supraclavicular lymph nodes.

Outcomes: Complete blood count showed pancytopenia with a white blood cell count of 4.4 x 10e3/uL, hemoglobin of 10.8 g/dL and platelets of 87 x 10e3/uL. CT scan of the neck with IV contrast revealed extensive cervical and mediastinal lymphadenopathy with suspicion of lymphoma. Biopsy results diagnosed a rare form of a hematologic malignancy called blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm.

Conclusions: The presence of supraclavicular lymphadenopathy should raise concern for non-infectious etiologies, such as malignant processes.

Recommended Citation

Aribo, Chade; Al, Alonso; Woodall, Allison; and Kim, Tommy Y. (2020) "Investigation of a Peculiar Case of Childhood Lymphadenopathy," HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine: Vol. 1: Iss. 4, Article 7.
DOI: 10.36518/2689-0216.1020
Available at: https://scholarlycommons.hcahealthcare.com/hcahealthcarejournal/vol1/iss4/7