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OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Scrofula

Alternative Names:
Tuberculous adenitis

Treatment:

When infection is caused by Mycobacteriumtuberculosis, treatment is usually with 9 to 12 months of antibiotics. Several antibiotics need to be used at once, to avoid the bacterium becoming antibiotic-resistant. Common antibiotics for scrofula include:

  • INH
  • rifampin
  • pyrazinamide
  • ethambutol

When infection is caused by mycobacteria other than Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as is often seen in children, therapy usually involves antibiotics, such as rifampin, ethambutol, and clarithromycin.

Surgery is seldom necessary, and is reserved for cases where medical therapy is only partially effective.



Expectations (prognosis):
Recovery is usually complete.

Complications:
  • scarring
  • formation of a draining fistula in the neck (especially after biopsy)


Calling your health care provider:
Call your provider if your child has a swelling or group of swellings in the neck. Scrofula can occur in children without exposure to someone with tuberculosis.

Review Date: 8/7/2002
Reviewed By: Camille Kotton, M.D., Infectious Diseases Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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