[Extrapulmonary tuberculosis in childhood. Case reports from a pediatric specialty hospital].

The immigration of people from countries with high incidence of tuberculosis has led to an increased number of cases of tuberculosis in Austria. The number of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis has increased too. The variability of the clinical presentation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis which can affect almost every organ system makes it essential to include it in the differential diagnosis of any infectious disease. Early identification and rapid onset of therapy are most important for recovering without complications and avoidance of longterm sequelae. 9 cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in the Gottfried von Preyer Children's hospital from 1989 to 1992 show the different clinical features of this disease. 3 cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis, 1 case of tuberculosis of the adenoids, 1 case of tuberclulous pleurits, 3 cases of gastrointestinal tuberculosis and 1 case of a tuberculous meningitis and osteomyelitis are described. All 9 children recovered with antituberculous treatment without complications or sequelae.