Causes of Recurring Lymphadenopathy

Infectious Causes

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that bacterial infections, particularly those caused by encapsulated organisms, be considered as a cause of recurring lymphadenopathy in patients with underlying immune dysfunction 1, 3
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests that mycobacterial infections, such as tuberculosis, should be considered in patients with persistent adenopathy and systemic symptoms 4, 5
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology notes that viral infections, including HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, and cytomegalovirus, can cause recurring lymphadenopathy, particularly in immunocompromised hosts 4, 6, 7

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology states that antibody deficiencies are the most common primary immunodeficiency disorder category and frequently present with recurring lymphadenopathy 1, 2
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that patients with autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) be evaluated for chronic lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly 8, 9

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests that lymphoproliferative disorders, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, can cause recurring lymphadenopathy 3, 7
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology notes that metastatic solid tumors should be considered as a cause of recurring lymphadenopathy, particularly with supraclavicular or epitrochlear node involvement 10

The American College of Rheumatology recommends that autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis, be considered as a cause of recurring lymphadenopathy 7
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology suggests that autoinflammatory disorders, such as mevalonate kinase deficiency, can present with recurrent fever and lymphadenopathy 11

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that HIV/AIDS be considered as a cause of recurring lymphadenopathy, particularly in patients with high viral loads and low CD4+ counts 4, 6
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology notes that iatrogenic immunosuppression from medications, such as methotrexate and corticosteroids, can increase infection risk and cause drug-induced lymphadenopathy 1, 2, 3

The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that a critical diagnostic approach be taken when evaluating recurring lymphadenopathy, including prioritizing assessments such as duration, node characteristics, and systemic symptoms 4, 10
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network suggests that imaging, such as ultrasound and CT/MRI, be used to characterize nodes and identify additional pathology 10