Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections of the head and neck.

OBJECTIVE

To review the treatment and outcome of patients with nontuberculous mycobacterial infections of the head and neck.

DESIGN

Retrospective examination of the medical records of patients treated by several surgeons during a 5-year period with a minimum 6-month follow-up.

SETTING

Large teaching children's hospital.

PATIENTS

Twenty-six children hospitalized for treatment of nontuberculous mycobacterial infections of the head and neck.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Resolution of infection, recurrence, and need for additional surgical intervention for cure.

RESULTS

Eleven patients initially were treated by incisional biopsy or incision and drainage procedures; eight patients developed recurrence or a draining sinus tract, necessitating a second surgical procedure. In contrast, 15 patients initially underwent complete excision; only one developed a recurrence (P < .01). Thus, eight (31%) of 26 patients required at least two surgical procedures owing to inadequate initial treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Excisional biopsy is both the diagnostic procedure and treatment of choice for nontuberculous mycobacterial adenitis.