Localized lymphadenopathy in diseases of the ENT organs
Authors: Dubinets I. D. , Patrakova M. S. , Solodovnik A. V. , Kirillov E. S. 
Published: December 2024

Introduction. Lymph node enlargement in the craniocervical region is a common occurrence in general medical, pediatric and otolaryngological practice. According to the topographic anatomy of the lymphatic drainage zones, there is a close relationship between inflammation of the ENT organs and localized lymphadenopathy. An increase in the size of the lymph nodes is one of the symptoms of many diseases and pathologies that differ in their cause, clinical manifestations, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis. When diagnosing lymphadenopathy due to non-specific inflammation of the ENT organs, it is necessary to differentiate from neoplasms and specific infections. Understanding the function of the lymph nodes, their location, description taking into account the etiopathogenesis of their enlargement is important for making clinical decisions about when a comprehensive examination and treatment are necessary, and in which cases only observation. The data of the literature review and further studies will help to identify age-related patterns in the formation of local lymphadenopathy of the craniocervical region according to the topographic zones of lymphatic drainage to determine the diagnostic algorithm in order to avoid possible surgical treatment and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Aim. Conduct an analysis of the prediction of localized lymphadenopathy in inflammation of the ENT organs according to the anatomical zones of lymphatic drainage based on materials from domestic and foreign literature.

Materials and methods. We searched for articles in public databases using the following queries: “lymphadenopathy”, “craniocervical region”, “anatomical zones of lymphatic drainage”, “inflammatory pathology of ENT organs”. A review of the literature carried out was over the past 10 years, including data from literary sources whose authors made a significant contribution to the development of otorhinolaryngology.

Results and discussion. The summary data of the literature review, including both original studies and descriptions of clinical cases, presented are in the relationship of localized lymphadenopathy of the craniocervical region in inflammatory nosology of ENT organs with anatomical and topographic zones of lymphatic drainage in norm and pathology. A checklist for early diagnostics of inflammation of the lymph nodes of the head and neck in ENT pathology and routing of patients with localized lymphadenopathy compiled has been to avoid possible surgical treatment and reduce the risk of serious complications.

Conclusion. Analysis of available literature sources showed that localized lymphadenopathy is one of the symptoms in acute and chronic ENT pathology. Craniocervical nodes are located in discrete anatomical areas, and their enlargement reflects lymphatic drainage from the inflammation zone of ENT organs when the barrier of immune protection of the lymphoepithelial pharyngeal is ring disrupted. The nature, distribution and number of lymph nodes can provide a lot of information to the clinician in diagnosing the recurrent course of inflammation of ENT organs, in connection with which an interdisciplinary approach is necessary in routing a patient with lymphadenopathy.