Abstract
Mediastinal lymph node involvement is usually seen in primary childhood tuberculosis
(TB). When caseation and necrosis of the mediastinal lymph nodes progresses, the enlarged
nodes may compress the regional bronchi and cause bronchial narrowing, obstruction,
and emphysema. However, mediastinal adenopathy leading to emphysema and causing pneumothorax
in children is not yet reported. A 6-month-old male patient presented with left-sided
pneumothorax that required immediate treatment with thoracostomy. Computed tomography
chest showed mediastinal necrotic nodes causing obstructive emphysematous changes
in left lung. He was treated with antituberculous therapy along with steroids to which
he responded well.
Keywords
tuberculosis - pneumothorax - mediastinal adenopathy
