Intrathoracic lymphadenopathy in children: differential diagnosis

In childhood the function of the lymphatic system is active and multifaceted: all immune reactions are carried out with the help of the lymphatic system; it takes an active part in various pathological processes and is often itself affected by inflammatory, granulomatous and tumor diseases. Usually diagnostic problems are associated with search for causes of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy detected during radiologic examination of children with positive immunologic tuberculosis tests. An accurate diagnosis in case of lymphadenopathia requires careful assessment of history, clinical and laboratory signs and is only possible with the co-operation of phthisiologists and other specialists. A case series is presented demonstrating the diversity of causes of hilar lymphadenopathy in children and the process of the necessary diagnostic search.