The value of naked eye examination of biopsied lymph nodes in the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis.

Tuberculous lymphadenitis is common in Central Africa, where diagnosis by histological examination of a biopsied node is often delayed. In the present study, the naked eye appearance of the cut surface of 306 consecutive biopsied lymph nodes was compared with the histological diagnosis. One hundred and eight-eight nodes showed tuberculosis on histology (including two with coexisting second pathology). One hundred and forty-eight (79%) cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis (including both with coexisting second pathology) showed noncaseating tuberculomata or caseation visible on naked eye examination. Such signs were not seen in other nodes. Other signs were seen in another 18 (10%) tuberculous nodes. It is concluded that naked eye examination of nodes provides useful information for the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis, pending confirmation by histology.