Infectious disease causes of lymphadenopathy: localized versus diffuse.

Abstract

Lymphadenopathy is commonly associated with numerous infectious diseases. The evaluation of lymphadenopathy may reveal local (regional) node involvement or diffuse (generalized) node involvement. Additional assessment factors used to evaluate the lymphadenopathy include the anatomic location, node characteristics, associated symptoms, medical and social history, and comprehensive physical examination fundings. Infectious diseases that cause generalized lymphadenopathy include HIV disease, toxoplasmosis, secondary syphilis, and tuberculosis. This article discusses the evaluation of lymphadenopathy, infectious causes of generalized lymphadenopathy, as well as those infections that cause regional lymphadenopathy.