Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a sheep in wolf's clothing

INTRODUCTION

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, self-limiting disorder that typically affects the cervical lymph nodes. Recognition of this condition is crucial, especially because it can easily be mistaken for tuberculosis, lymphoma, or even adenocarcinoma. Awareness of this disorder will help prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

METHODS

From January 2006 to December 2008, 30 patients who underwent a biopsy of a cervical lymph node and proved histologically to have KFD were enrolled in this study. We studied clinical manifestations, laboratory results, treatment, and recurrence for each patient. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 2 years.

RESULTS

There were 24 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 18 years. Two patients had a past history of tuberculosis. Major clinical symptoms and signs were fever (70%) and lymphadenopathy (100%). The affected cervical lymph nodes were most commonly located in the posterior cervical triangle. Unilateral and bilateral cervical lymph nodes were affected in 25 and 5 patients, respectively. The affected lymph nodes were most commonly less than 3 cm in size. Leukopenia was observed in 46.7%, and a raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate was seen in 56.7% of the cases. Treatment strategies included no medication, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone, steroids alone, or a combination of NSAIDs and steroids. Ninety percent improved within 3 months, whereas one patient showed improvement only after 9 months of continued treatment. No recurrence has since been noted.

CONCLUSION

KFD is a benign disease that masquerades as other more sinister diseases and can lead to unnecessary treatment-induced physiologic, psychological, and financial morbidity to the patient. Tissue diagnosis is necessary in all cases, and an effective communication between the surgeon and the pathologist is imperative in making an accurate diagnosis.

[Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease]

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare, benign, self-limited condition of unknown etiology. A 16-year-old woman with no relevant clinical history seeks medical attention for fever and cervical adenopathies. In a physical examination the patient is found to be febrile (38.5 C) with multiple bilateral, hard-elastic cervical adenopathies, congestive oropharynx and mild splenomegaly with no other relevant pathological findings. The laboratory examination shows signs of pancytopenia and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Β2-microglobulin, transaminases and lactate dehydrogenase. Several serological tests are carried out with negative results except for immunoglobulin G for parvovirus, which is positive. A computerized axial tomography scan of head, neck, thorax, abdomen and pelvis shows bilateral lateral cervical adenomegalies (the largest with a size of 15 mm) and bilateral axillary adenomega- lies of less than 10 mm in diameter; small basal lung condensations with mild pleural effusion, mild homogeneous splenomegaly, and a small amount of free fluid in the abdominal cavity at the bottom of the Douglas cul-de-sac. Possible respiratory and gynecological infections are treated with ampicillin/sulbactam together with doxycycline. The patient progresses with persistence of the symptoms. A lymph node biopsy is then performed, revealing a morphology compatible with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Treatment with prednisone is initiated with a clinical and laboratory improvement in the patient's condition. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is probably under-reported and under-diagnosed due to the low index of suspicion. Greater awareness of this illness would result in clinicians arriving at this diagnosis more often.

[A rare case of cervical lymphadenopathy--Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease]

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease is a form of histocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis that largely affects women of Asian descent. The cause of this pathology remains to be elucidated although it is supposed that it has immunological and infectious nature. Clinically, Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease manifests itself as unilateral lymphadenoapthy accompanied by febrile state and other non-specific symptoms. The diagnosis is based on the results of puncture (in the first place, excision) biopsy. No effective treatment of histocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis has thus far been proposed. Spontaneous regression of lymphadenopathy may occur within 1-6 months after the onset. A clinical observation of a 36 year-old patient presenting with a confirmed form of Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease is presented.

[Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease: Report of 4 cases and literature review]

INTRODUCTION

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a benign disease predominantly occurring in young women which etiology remains unknown and revealed by cervical lymphadenitis and/or prolonged fever.

OBSERVATIONS

This report describes a survey of four patients who developed Kikuchi's lymphadenitis occurring concomitantly with LES in one case and actinomycosis in another case. The definite diagnosis is usually made through histopathological examination of a lymph node biopsy. The evolution was favorable under corticosteroid therapy in two patients, antibiotics in the third and only antipyretic in the fourth.

CONCLUSION

The authors bring report through these three observations, the diagnostic difficulties, the therapeutic means of the disease of Kikuchi, as well as its evolutionary aspects.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease: a report of five cases

Kikuchi Fujimoto's disease is a rare, self limiting disorder characterized by fever and cervical lymphadenitis. It is often an incidental finding in a patient suspected to have tuberculosis or lymphoproliferative disorder. We diagnosed this disease in a young 23-year-old female who was suffering from prolonged fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, anemia, leucopenia and mild splenomegaly; based on histopathological study of the excised lymphnode. We reviewed the clinical records and histopathologic findings of four more patients of Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease, who were treated by others at our institute. All five patients improved with NSAIDS (non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs). Histopathological finding of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis or Kikuchi's disease proved invaluable in characterization of these cases.

Kikuchi fujimoto disease and systemic lupus erythematosus--a rare association

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is rarely associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Kikuchi Fujimoto disease may precede, follow or coincide with the diagnosis of SLE. We report a case who was initially diagnosed as Kikuchi Fujimoto disease with SLE. She is presently in remission after treatment of SLE.

[Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: pediatric case presentation]

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare, benign condition, usually self-limited to a six-month period. Classic clinical presentation is characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy, leukopenia and prolonged fever. It affects principally young, Asiatic adult women, although a few cases in the pediatric population have been reported. This disease frequently mimics tuberculous lymphadenitis, malign lymphoma, systemic lupus erythematosus and other benign and malignant conditions. The etiology is unknown, although a viral or autoimmune pathogenesis has been suggested. Laboratory investigations are usually unremarkable, and the most frequent findings are leukopenia, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anemia and positive antinuclear antibodies. To make an accurate diagnosis, histopathological studies are required. To avoid the use of antibiotics (which have no effect), early diagnosis is necessary. Herein the case of a 10 years old girl is described that presented with high, prolonged fever and marked cervical lymphadenopathy secondary to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

[Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease in Gabon. Description of first 2 cases in Gabon]

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare disorder sometimes associated with systemic lupus. It has rarely been reported in the black African population. The purpose of this report is to describe the first two cases in Gabon. In patients presenting enlarged cervical lymph nodes, it is first necessary to rule out infectious disease. Histology can allow diagnosis by demonstrating necrotizing histiocyte lymphadenitis.

Treatment of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi's disease) with prolonged fever by a single course of methylprednisolone pulse therapy without maintenance therapy: experience with 13 cases

A 26-year-old man was hospitalized with a 1-month history of fever. Cervical lymph node biopsy showed necrosis in the paracortical area with abundant nuclear debris and proliferation of histiocytes. A diagnosis of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) (Kikuchi's disease) was made. He received methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) (0.5 g/day for 3 days) without maintenance therapy and experienced dramatic improvement. We also used MPT for another 12 cases of HNL. All patients became afebrile within 1 day without adverse events. Four patients relapsed after the initial MPT, but only 1 patient relapsed during the following year. Our results suggest that MPT is warranted in HNL patients with prolonged fever.

[The clinical characteristics of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis: analysis of 11 cases]

OBJECTIVE

To study the clinical features of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis.

METHOD

Eleven patients with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis were collected to analyze the clinical features, pathological features of biopsy lymph nodes, diagnosis and treatment.

RESULT

Lymph node swelling of neck and persistent fever were detected in all patients. The leukocyte reduction and swiftness of ESR in serum were detected in most patients. The final diagnosis of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis was confirmed by biopsy investigation of the pathology. The pathological features included distinctive necrosis, loss of lymph node structure, infiltration with histiocytes and lymphocytes, absence of neutrophils. All patients were treated with glucocorticoid for 2 to 4 months. The patients improved significantly and were not recurrence during follow up visit.

CONCLUSION

There was no specific clinical manifestation of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis and which easy to misdiagnoses. Diagnosis of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis relies on the pathological examination of enlarged lymph nodes.

[Spontaneous remission of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (lymphadenopathy) with focal skin parakeratosis]

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is subacute, necrotizing lymphadenopathy affecting mainly young women, and manifested by cervical lymphadenopathy. It is often observed, and described in Asia, but in other world regions sporadically too. Etiology is unknown, but it has been postulated that this condition is induced by infectious factor. We described a case of 20-year-old Caucasian woman with diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenopathy. First symptoms as a cervical lymph nodes enlargement 2 cm in diameter was associated with elevated body temperature, without associated symptoms of infection appeared about one year ago (data from history). Lymphadenopathy and general symptoms receded after empiric therapy with amoxicilin. Relapse of cervical lymphadenopathy alongshore sternocleidomastoid muscles bilateral to about 2 cm in diameter with pseudo-flu symptoms like fever and joints and muscles pains. Focal hiperpigmentation of abdomen, arms and legs skin appeared. In histopathology of collected lymph node histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenopathy without neutrophils infiltration Kikuchi type was diagnosed. In peripheral blood morphology transitional leucopenia 2.58 x 10(9)/l with granulocytopenia 0.64 x 10(9)/l was noted. Anemia and thrombocytopenia did not be observed. In serology active CMV, EBV or toxoplasmosis were excluded. In immunology presence of eleveted levels of anti-Jo, anti-nuclear and anticardiolipin antibodies was excluded too. Serum protein electrophoresis and additional biochemical parameters was normal. In chest X-ray and abdomen ultrasonography abnormalities was not found. In skin and muscles biopsy specimens focal parakeratosis was found. Despite no empiric antiinfectious therapy after 3-4 weeks remission of general symptoms and lymphadenopathy was noted.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

A 14 year-old Bangladeshi girl presented with high fever, painful swellings in the neck, anorexia, weight loss and night sweating. On examination she had multiple enlarged and tender cervical lymph nodes. Other systems were normal. Laboratory investigations for sepsis and autoimmune diseases were negative. Initial fine needle aspiration and cytology of affected lymph node was suggestive of tubercular lymphdenitis. But she did not respond to anti-tubercular treatment. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease was diagnosed from the histopathological appearance of excised lymph node. She completely recovered with symptomatic treatment. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, also called Kikuchi's disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare, benign but enigmatic disease of unknown aetiology. The disease is self-limited and has an excellent prognosis. Its recognition is crucial because it can be mistaken for systemic lupus erythematosus, malignant lymphoma, tubercular lymphadenitis or even, for metastatic adenocarcinoma. Clinicians' and pathologists' awareness of this disease may help prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease presenting with fever, lymphadenopathy and dysphagia

Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease (KFD) can present with dysphasia, fever and lymphadenopathy. A young Bangladeshi girl presented with fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, dysphasia, weight loss and skin rash. Antitubercular drugs were given on clinical judgement, with no improvement after one month. Later, fine needle aspiration and histopathology of Lymph Node suggested KFD. Computerized Tomography (CT) scan of neck revealed enlarged retropharyngeal lymphnode (LN) causing pharyngeal narrowing. Oral Prednisolone was given showing improvement and no relapse was encountered. KFD may present with dysphasia uncommonly along with fever and lymphadenopathy. Awareness of this disorder by clinicians and pathologists will help prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.

Cervical lymphadenopathy secondary to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease in a child: case report

While most cases of cervical lymphadenopathy resolve with conservative management, persistent adenopathy can lead to costly investigations and invasive treatments. One cause of persistent adenopathy, as well as a variety of other associated systemic symptoms, is Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis). This rare entity can be diagnosed only by excisional biopsy on the basis of its characteristic histologic appearance. We describe a case of persistent cervical lymphadenopathy secondary to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease in an 11-year-old girl.

Concurrent development of spontaneous pyomyositis due to Staphylococcus epidermidis and Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

Staphylococcus epidermidis is a common cause of infections associated with prosthetic devices and immunocompromised patients. Spontaneous pyomyositis due to the above pathogen is very uncommon. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis, first described in Japan. A T cell-mediated hyperimmune response to various pathogens in a genetically susceptible individual has been primarily been considered in its pathogenesis. We report a patient who developed spontaneous pyomyositis caused by S. epidermidis concurrently with KFD, and discuss the possibility of S. epidermidis infection being the stimulant of KFD.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease manifesting as recurrent thrombocytopenia and Mobitz type II atrioventricular block in a 7-year-old girl: a case report and analysis of 138 Chinese childhood Kikuchi-Fujimoto cases with 10 years of follow-up in 97 patients

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is challenging for a paediatrician. Recognizing unusual clinical presentations and features of KFD is essential for doctors to obtain a thorough understanding of this clinical entity.

METHOD

We reported a case recently diagnosed in our ward with manifestation of recurrent thrombocytopenia and Mobitz type II atrioventricular block, which is very unusual in childhood KFD. We also used three powerful Chinese Journal Search Engines (Cqvip.com, Wanfang.data and ScienceChina) to search the cases reported in China from 1989 to 2006.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-three patients younger than 16 years old with pathologic proof of KFD were identified. Among them, 138 cases with detailed clinical records from eight different provinces and cities were analyzed, and of which 97 patients were followed-up for average of 10 years and the outcomes are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

KFD is characterized by a spectrum of distinctive features, but also a variety of systemic manifestations. A hyperimmune reaction to unidentified agents as well as an autoimmune component may play an important role in this disease. Early corticosteroid therapy may improve the long-term prognosis of KFD in children.

[Generalized lymphadenitis associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis]

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS

A 26-year-old Pakistani woman was admitted to hospital with fever, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and general weakness for the previous two weeks, but no diarrhea or constipation. Antibiotic therapy as an out-patient had not provided relief. She also had enlarged cervical lymph nodes. She reported that she had always been in good health before onset of the described symptoms.

INVESTIGATIONS

Laboratory tests revealed pancytopenia and a decrease in C3 and C4. The ANA titer was positive. The serum was positive for preceding infections with EBV, CMV, Chlamydia trachomatis, HHV type 6, and toxoplasmosis. There was no evidence of current or previous infections with HIV, Bartonella henselae, Treponema pallidum, Listeria, Hantavirus, Leishmania or dengue fever. The patient's symptoms were found to be associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis in conjunction with latent hypothyroidism. Abdominal, thoracic and cervical CT scan revealed enlarged lymph nodes, up to 2 cm in size, and enlarged spleen and liver.

THERAPY AND CLINICAL COURSE

Histopathology of a cervical lymph node showed features of Kikuchi (Kikuchi-Fujimoto) disease (histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis). Prednisone administration (2 mg/kg body weight) led to the patient's rapid recovery.

CONCLUSION

Kikuchi disease should be considered in patients with cervical but also general lymphadenopathy, after exclusion of other causes. The specific diagnosis is based on biopsy of affected lymph nodes.

57-year-old Asian-American man with Kikuchi's disease

Kikuchi's Disease (KD) is a subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis more commonly reported from Asia. The classic presentation includes low-grade fever and cervical lymphadenopathy in a previously healthy woman. The ratio of affected women to men is 4:1 with the average age of onset less than 30 years. We report a case of KD in a 57-year-old Asian-American man whose presentation is associated with Adult Still's Disease.

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis necrotizing lymphadenitis in a twelve-year-old patient

We report the case of a 12-year-old girl with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis necrotizing lymphadenitis. Awareness of this disease is critical for the diagnosis given that corynebacteria are often considered as skin contaminants. The isolate was highly susceptible to antibiotics but only ciprofloxacin, rifampin and gentamicin exerted bactericidal activity.

Kikuchi's disease: an unusual presentation and a therapeutic challenge

Kikuchi's disease, or necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis, is a rare disease that presents predominantly in young women in their 20s and 30s from the Far East. Our case depicts an African-American male, in his sixth decade of life, presenting with Kikuchi's disease, making our case unusual. The clinical presentation, together with laboratory and pathological tests described here, specifically the utilization of immunohistochemistry, aid in establishing a diagnosis. We advocate the use of steroids as symptomatic therapy and provide a novel and successful therapeutic regimen. We do not recommend antibiotic therapy until an infectious etiology is confirmed.