[Clinical study on head and neck tulareamia]

Abstract

Objective: To perform a clinical description of head and neck tularaemia, collating the therapeutic strategies used and the most significant variables that seem to influence its evolution.

Material and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was performed on the series diagnosed in 2007 with involvement of the head and neck areas. For the definition of clinical cases, the recommendations of the Spanish National Centre for Epidemiological Surveillance, the European Union Network for the Surveillance and Control of Communicable Diseases and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention were followed. Basic statistics, stage, treatment carried out and evolution were noted. A descriptive statistical study as well as an analysis of the influencing variables in the clinical course of the disease and possible management are provided.

Results and conclusions: 27 patients were studied. The clinical profile of the patient type is a middle-aged individual from rural areas, with a 1:1 male/female ratio, asymptomatic but affected by growing laterocervical lymphadenopathies, often appearing in summer, and notable on palpation, without any demonstrable entranceway. However, the profile is subject to variable patterns. The suspected diagnosis was confirmed on the basis of serological determinations (93 %). Two groups were observed: one formed by those with less evident clinical manifestations and an early ganglionar stage that mostly evolved well with specific antibiotic therapy, and another one with major clinical manifestations or advanced stage in which surgical procedures were required although subsequent evolution was good. In areas of high incidence, in summer, it is a disease to be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy syndromes.