Autoimmune manifestations of Kikuchi disease

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease associated with a flare-up of a leukocytoclastic vasculitis: A rare case report and review of literature

RATIONALE

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenopathy is an exceedingly rare cause of cervical lymphadenopathy, commonly accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, fatigue, night sweats, myalgia, skin rash.

PATIENT CONCERNS

In this paper, we report the case of a 22-year-old female patient who experienced a flare-up of leukocytoclastic vasculitis that was complicated by the appearance of a cervical lymph node with dysphagia, fever and nausea.

DIAGNOSIS

Infectious and autoimmune workup came back negative.

INTERVENTIONS

Excisional lymph node biopsy was done and the pathology results were consistent with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis in keeping with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

OUTCOMES

Patient improved on intravenous corticosteroids and was discharged on per os prednisone. Six month follow-up shows complete resolution of her symptoms.

LESSONS

KFD should be ruled out in patients with autoimmune or inflammatory diseases who develop lymphadenopathies.

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy with concomitant development of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

Immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy (IMNM) is a distinct type of idiopathic inflammatory myositis, pathologically characterized by myofiber necrosis and degeneration in the absence of lymphocyte infiltration. Herein, we present a case of IMNM with concomitant development of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), characterized by histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, in a 36-year-old woman who had a treatment history for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Treatment with oral prednisolone and tacrolimus as immunosuppressants resulted in the remission of the skeletomuscular involvement and lymphadenopathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of IMNM and KFD developing concomitantly during the clinical course of RA.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: A comprehensive review

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, a rare form of necrotizing lymphadenitis, is an uncommon, benign, self-limiting disorder of obscure etiology. It affects mostly young adults of both genders. Clinically, it presents with fever and lymphadenopathy of a firm to rubbery consistency frequently involving cervical lymph nodes while weight loss, splenomegaly, leucopenia, and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate feature in severely affected patients. Cutaneous involvement occurs in about 30%-40% of cases as facial erythema and nonspecific erythematous papules, plaques, acneiform or morbilliform lesions of great histologic heterogeneity. Both Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and systemic lupus erythematosus share an obscure and complex relationship as systemic lupus erythematosus may occasionally precede, develop subsequently, or sometimes be associated concurrently with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. It is often mistaken for non-Hodgkin lymphoma while lupus lymphadenitis, cat-scratch disease, Sweet’s syndrome, Still’s disease, drug eruptions, infectious mononucleosis, and viral or tubercular lymphadenitis are other common differentials. Fine needle aspiration cytology mostly has features of nonspecific reactive lymphadenitis and immunohistochemistry studies usually show variable features of uncertain diagnostic value. Since its diagnosis is exclusively from histopathology, it needs to be evaluated more carefully; an early lymph node biopsy will obviate the need for unnecessary investigations and therapeutic trials. Its treatment with systemic corticosteroids, hydroxychloroquine, or antimicrobial agents mostly remains empirical. The article reviews clinicoepidemiological, diagnostic, and management aspects of KFD from the perspective of practicing clinicians.

A Rare Case of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an autoimmune condition that is more common in females and occurs in the third decade of life. The condition is usually benign and self-resolving and is characterized by fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, night sweats, myalgia, and rashes. The disease can be misdiagnosed as reactive follicular hyperplasia, tuberculous lymphadenitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and malignant lymphoma. The diagnosis of KFD involves the excision of the affected lymph node. Although there is no specific treatment for the disease, usually symptomatic and supportive measures are effective; however, steroids and immunosuppressive therapies are considered in more severe cases. The disease lasts for around one to four months. The neurological complications include cerebellar ataxia, meningoencephalitis, and aseptic meningitis. Here, we describe the case of a 36-year-old male who presented with complaints of fever, malaise chills, anorexia, and fatigue associated with a tender right axillary lymph node. The patient underwent a biopsy which confirmed KFD and responded well to supportive therapy.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Lymphadenopathy Presenting as Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in an Adolescent

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a multisystem autoimmune disorder with a highly heterogeneous clinical presentation. The clinical phenotype varies from mild cutaneous and musculoskeletal manifestations to neurological involvement. Lymphadenopathy is a frequent manifestation of SLE, but the association is often not recognized, as lymphadenopathy is not a criterion for diagnosis. An unusual and seldom reported mimicker of lupus lymphadenitis is Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease. This is a rare self-limiting disease of young adult females that presents with lymphadenopathy, fever, and systemic symptoms. Lupus lymphadenitis and KFD share some common clinical and pathologic features; but distinguishing between those two diseases can be challenging. We describe a 16-year-old Hispanic female who presented with axillary lymphadenopathy and was initially diagnosed with KFD based on an excisional lymph node biopsy; but later met the criteria for the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism/American College of Rheumatology classification criteria SLE. This case highlights the need for clinicians to be aware that patients with SLE may present with lymphadenopathy and to consider the association between Kikuchi disease and SLE to prevent misdiagnosis and allow for timely treatment to avoid complications.

Ankylosing spondylitis with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: A case report with literature review

We present the case of a patient diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) along with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), possibly triggered by infection or autoimmunity. Both AS and KFD involved a similar immune pathway. Hence, clinicians should consider the possibility of KFD when lymphadenopathy is observed, especially in patients with infection or underlying autoimmune diseases.

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease: literature review and report of four cases

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease, or necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis, is one of the rare causes of benign lymphadeno-pathy. The diagnosis is based on histological and immunohistochemical analysis of the lymph node biopsy. The article presents four clinical cases of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease. According to the results of the primary analysis of lymph node tissue three patients were misdiagnosed with lymphoma. due to the unusual for lymphoid malignancy course the primary material was reviewed. The diagnosis of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease was put. In three patients the disease has a re-current course. during the observation period, the course of the disease in all the presented patients is benign with normal quality of life.

A pregnant women with history of hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosed with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: the first case report

BACKGROUND

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a benign, self-limiting disorder characterized by regional lymphadenopathy. Clinical symptoms range from mild fever and tenderness to upper respiratory syndrome. A few cases have been observed during pregnancy or Hashimoto's disease. What we describe here is the first observed case of KFD in a pregnant woman with a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 36-year-old woman presented to Aleppo University Hospital during the 13^th week of gestation with a painful cervical node on the right side of her neck. The patient's previous medical history confirmed Hashimoto's thyroiditis for several years. After histopathological examinations and radiological investigations, she was diagnosed with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and treated with corticosteroids. Although the patient did not adhere to the treatment very well due to her concerns for the fetus, the clinical picture improved after delivery. The patient now is on follow-up and continuing the current treatment with corticosteroids.

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigations need to be conducted to understand the possible autoimmune etiology of KFD when it is associated with Hashimoto's thyroiditis disease. It is also necessary to understand the relationship between this disease and pregnancy.

Repeated Necrotizing Lymphadenitis with MEFV Gene Mutations

We herein report a 36-year-old man with repeated necrotizing lymphadenitis due to MEFV gene mutations. The patient's chief complaints were a fever and painful cervical lymphadenopathy. We diagnosed him with necrotizing lymphadenitis based on the pathological findings of the lymph nodes and the exclusion of other differential diseases. The same episode recurred four times. We speculated the involvement of autoinflammatory backgrounds and detected MEFV gene mutations of E148Q (homo), P369S, and R408Q. Considering the elevation of interleukin-18, these mutations probably played roles in the repeated necrotizing lymphadenitis.

Sub internal limiting membrane hemorrhage followed by bilateral optic disc hemorrhage in Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a case report

Background

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a necrotizing lymphadenitis, and presents fever of unknown origin and cervical lymphadenopathy. Ocular complications are unusual in KFD. Here we report a case of sub internal limiting membrane (ILM) hemorrhage followed by bilateral optic disc hemorrhage in KFD.

Case presentation

A 16-year-old Japanese man perceived a sudden decrease of right vision 3 days after onset of fever with unknown origin and left cervical lymphadenopathy. At presentation, visual acuity (VA) of right eye was 0.05 in decimal chart (1.30: converted to logarithm of minimum angle of resolution: logMAR). Fundus photograph showed extensive sub-ILM hemorrhage in right eye, and optic disc hemorrhages in both eyes. Fluorescein angiography presented hypo- and hyperfluorescences in optic disc of right eye, and hyperfluorescence in the disc of left eye. To make a definitive diagnosis, cervical lymph node biopsy was performed, and KFD was diagnosed pathologically. Thereafter, fever, headache and the cervical lymphadenopathy disappeared spontaneously. The sub-ILM hemorrhage was drained into the vitreous cavity by neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser (Nd: YAG) hyaloidotomy. VA recovered to 1.5 (− 0.18: logMAR VA) in right eye.

Conclusion

Sub-ILM hemorrhage and optic disc hemorrhage are a KFD-related ocular complication.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12886-021-02106-y.

Kikuchi Cervical Lymphadenitis in Children: Ultrasound Differentiation From Common Infectious Lymphadenitis

OBJECTIVES

To investigate ultrasound (US) features of enlarged cervical lymph nodes (LNs) to differentiate between Kikuchi disease (KD) and other common types of infectious lymphadenitis in an East Asian pediatric patient population.

METHODS

A total of 142 pediatric patients with KD and 45 patients with infectious lymphadenitis (suppurative lymphadenitis [n = 29], nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenitis [n = 9], and tuberculous lymphadenitis [n = 7]) were included. The clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and US features of LNs were reviewed. The area under the curve (AUC) from a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used as a diagnostic accuracy measure.

RESULTS

A multiple clustered adjacent pattern, bilaterality, an even size, posterior neck involvement, no enlargement, an elongated-to-ovoid shape, homogeneous hypoechogenicity, a well-defined margin, presence of an echogenic fatty hilum, no intranodal gross necrosis, increased perinodal fat echogenicity, and no increased echogenicity of the adjacent sternocleidomastoid muscle were significant US features of the affected LNs to discriminate KD from infectious lymphadenitis (P < .05). Homogeneous hypoechogenicity in KD showed the highest AUC (0.930) as a single variable (95% confidence interval, 0.88-0.96). The AUCs were increased in 3 combination models with 2 US features: homogeneous echogenicity and 1 of 3 other US features (increased perinodal fat echogenicity, 0.935; number of affected LNs, 0.947; and LN shape, 0.949).

CONCLUSIONS

Homogeneous hypoechogenicity of LNs was a significant US feature with the highest diagnostic accuracy in differentiating KD from common infectious lymphadenitis on a univariate analysis. In the combination model, US features of an elongated-to-ovoid shape and homogeneous hypoechogenicity showed the highest diagnostic accuracy.

Identification of genes associated with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease using RNA and exome sequencing

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an extremely rare disease, and although it is reported to have a worldwide distribution, young Asian women are most likely to be affected. Although this disease is generally benign and self-limiting, distinguishing it from other diseases that cause lymphadenopathy (e.g., leukemia, lymphoma, and infectious diseases) is challenging. A lymph node biopsy is a definitive diagnostic technique for KFD and only requires skillful pathologists. There are no specific symptoms or laboratory tests for KFD, and more than 50% of KFD patients have suffered from being misdiagnosed with lymphoma, which leads to improper treatment. In this study, lymph node tissue samples from KFD patients were used to reveal their exomes and transcriptomes using a high-throughput nucleotide sequencer. Fourteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified as candidate KFD markers and were compared with a healthy lymph node exome dataset. The mutation of these genes caused disruptive impact in the proteins. Several SNPs associated with KFD involve genes related to human cancers, olfaction, and osteoblast differentiation. According to the transcriptome data, there were 238 up-regulated and 1,519 down-regulated genes. RANBP2-like and ribosomal protein L13 were the most up-regulated and down-regulated genes in KFD patients, respectively. The altered gene expression involved in the human immune system, chromatin remodeling, and gene transcription. A comparison of KFD and healthy datasets of exomes and transcriptomes may allow further insights into the KFD phenotype. The results may also facilitate future KFD diagnosis and treatment.

Characterization of Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells, Microbial Sequences, and Identification of a Candidate Public T-Cell Clone in Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease

OBJECTIVES

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a self-limited lymphadenitis of unclear etiology. We aimed to further characterize this disease in pediatric patients, including evaluation of the CD123 immunohistochemical (IHC) staining and investigation of potential immunologic and infectious causes.

METHODS

Seventeen KFD cases and 12 controls were retrospectively identified, and the histologic and clinical features were evaluated. CD123 IHC staining was quantified by digital image analysis. Next generation sequencing was employed for comparative microbial analysis via RNAseq (5 KFD cases) and to evaluate the immune repertoire (9 KFD cases).

RESULTS

In cases of lymphadenitis with necrosis, >0.85% CD123+ cells by IHC was found to be six times more likely in cases with a final diagnosis of KFD (sensitivity 75%, specificity 87.5%). RNAseq based comparative microbial analysis did not detect novel or known pathogen sequences in KFD. A shared complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) sequence and use of the same T-cell receptor beta variable region family was identified in KFD LNs but not controls, and was not identified in available databases.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital quantification of CD123 IHC can distinguish KFD from other necrotizing lymphadenitides. The presence of a unique shared CDR3 sequence suggests that a shared antigen underlies KFD pathogenesis.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Triggered by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection-A Report of a Case and a Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis that was described for the first time in 1972 in Japan. Its etiology is still not fully understood. It has been reported in association with many different agents, diseases, and triggering factors without any conclusive result. To the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time a case of KFD with systemic lupus erythematosus in a child in association with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-positive throat swab for Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Although difficult to prove, the acute M. pneumoniae infection might have served as a triggering event for the development of KFD in our case. We encourage further studies to investigate a potential relationship between KFD and M. pneumoniae, which should also use PCR-based testing for this pathogen in patients with KFD.

Necrotizing lymphadenitis : A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare disease. It is often misdiagnosed because of the lack of typical clinical manifestations. It is worth noting that necrotizing lymphadenitis may be a precursor lesion of systemic lupus erythematosus or tumours, so regular follow-up is needed to facilitate early diagnosis. Here, we report a case and conduct a literature analysis summarizing the clinical features of necrotizing lymphadenitis and its treatment and management practices.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 16-year-old young woman presented with fever and lymphadenopathy as the main clinical manifestations, accompanied by a rash during fever that disappeared as the fever subsided. After completing imaging and laboratory examinations, we excluded other diseases such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignant tumours. Finally, we diagnosed the patient with necrotizing lymphadenitis based on the results of lymph node biopsy. The symptoms of the patient improved after glucocorticoid treatment, and she was followed up for half a year without recurrence of symptoms.

CONCLUSION

In the clinic, young women with fever and lymphadenopathy as major symptoms should be screened for necrotizing lymphadenitis to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment. Although necrotizing lymphadenitis is self-limiting, its clinical manifestations are similar to those of many diseases. Therefore, it is easily misdiagnosed. An in-depth understanding of the disease is conducive to early diagnosis and treatment in the clinic, thereby reducing further damage to the body and reducing unnecessary evaluation and treatment.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome - literature review based on a case report

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic, autoimmune disease predominantly involving exocrine glands. Lymphadenopathy is one of the possible symptoms of pSS. It may also suggest development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), the most severe complication of pSS, or be a symptom of less common diseases, such as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), presented in this paper. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is an extremely rare, benign and self-limiting disorder, characterized by regional lymphadenopathy.

This paper presents a case of previously unreported association of pSS, KFD and renal cancer in a patient with recurrent cervical lymphadenopathy, as well as a discussion on the coexistence of these diseases based on available literature searching for PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases, particularly in this subject. These three clinical entities may manifest lymphadenopathy each, causing a diagnostic dilemma. The treatment is also challenging under such circumstances. In this particular situation, it was a combination of immunosuppressive therapy and surgery.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: Review of 11 Cases Diagnosed Over 10 Years at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Doha, Qatar

Introduction

Kikuchi-Fujimoto (KF) disease is a rare and self-limiting disorder of unknown aetiology characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy (CLN) and fever. The pathophysiology remains unclear and may be triggered by an infectious agent leading to a self-limiting autoimmune process. There are no confirmatory laboratory tests and lymph node biopsy is required to differentiate KF disease from other serious conditions.

Materials and methods

We report 11 cases of KF disease diagnosed at Hamad General Hospital, Qatar, between 2006 to 2016. The diagnosis is based on clinical presentation, investigations and histopathological examination of lymph nodes.

Results

All patients had painful neck swelling (average duration of 2.9 weeks) and 10 had fever (average duration of 3.2 weeks). Five patients developed mild leucopenia which resolved completely. HIV and tuberculosis (TB) screening including sputum for AFB, a PPD skin test and chest x-ray was done for all patients and came back negative. Autoimmune screening was done for all patients and excluded any rheumatological disease. Ultrasound and CT of the neck confirmed cervical lymphadenopathy. Except for hepatomegaly in one patient, CT scans of the chest and abdomen were negative for any lymphadenopathy or organomegaly (performed in seven patients). Diagnosis was confirmed on lymph node excision biopsy. Histopathological examination showed findings consistent with the diagnosis of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (KF disease).

Conclusion

KF disease should be kept in mind for patients presenting with fever and CLN. Lymphoma, TB and autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus should be excluded in such patients.

Is recurrent Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease a precursor to systemic lupus erythematosus?

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare, benign, self-limiting disease characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. Since KFD was first reported in 1972, the validity of this clinical entity has been controversial and its aetiology remains unknown. Herein, we report a case of a patient with KFD, which was believed to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: An Atypical Presentation of a Rare Disease

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), or necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis, is a rare cause of lymphadenopathy and fever. Although the clinical course is usually benign, KFD is often mistaken for malignancy or infection. Recognition of typical and atypical cases of KFD is necessary to avoid unnecessary interventions. Here we report an atypical presentation of KFD with diffuse lymphadenopathy and leukocytosis associated with high levels of circulating Epstein-Barr viral DNA.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease triggered by Salmonella enteritidis in a child with concurrent auto-immune thyroiditis and papilloedema

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis characterised by painful cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, malaise and weight loss. Infections, auto-immune pathogenesis and a genetic association have been implicated. A 12-year-old boy presented with a 1-month history of fever, abdominal pain, constipation and weight loss, and a painful lymph node was detected in the right axilla. Chest CT demonstrated multiple lymph nodes, especially in the left mediastinum. Salmonella enteritidis group D was detected in a blood culture and he was treated with ceftriaxone, followed by meropenem. An axillary lymph node biopsy demonstrated necrotising histiocytic lymphadenitis and KFD was diagnosed. He was discharged 35 days after admission. He was re-admitted 3 weeks later with recurrence of symptoms and headache and was found to have papilloedema of the left eye and auto-immune thyroiditis. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) 400 mg/kg/day was administered for 5 days. The fever and papilloedema slowly resolved and, subsequently, the thyroiditis, and he has remained well on follow-up. This is the first report of an association of S. enteritidis infection and papilloedema with KFD. IVIG may be required in prolonged or recurrent cases and in those with an auto-immune association.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease in children: two case reports and a review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare, idiopathic and generally self-limiting cause of lymphadenitis of unknow etiology with a low recurrence rate. The typical clinical signs are cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, and symptoms of respiratory infection, and less frequently chills, night sweats, arthralgia, rash, and weight loss.

CASE PRESENTATION

Here we describe two case reports of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease presenting in Milan within the space of a few months. The first involved the recurrence of KFD in a young boy from Sri Lanka; the second was a rare case of severe KFD complicated by HLH.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatricians must consider KFD in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin in children, even in western countries. Although rare, recurrence and severe complications are possible. Where symptoms suggest KFD, a systematic diagnostic approach is key. Since no guidelines on the management of KFD are available, further studies should be conducted to investigate the therapeutic options and long term outcome in children.

Association Kikuchi disease with Hashimoto thyroiditis: a case report and literature review

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a benign and self-limited disease characterized by fever and lymphadenopathy. The etiology of KFD is unknown, but an autoimmune cause has been suggested. Hashimoto thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune thyroid disorder in children and is known to be associated with other autoimmune diseases. Only a few cases of Hashimoto thyroiditis associated with KFD have been documented. We report a case of a 16-year-old girl who was first diagnosed with KFD and developed Hashimoto thyroiditis 2 years and 6 months later during her follow-up period. Physicians of patients with KFD should consider the possibility of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in an Old Italian Woman: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, generally self-limiting disease that has higher prevalence in Asian people with a few cases reported in European countries. It generally affects young subjects under 40 years of age and is characterized by regional lymphadenopathy. Here, we present a case of a 66-year-old Italian woman who was extensively examined for right unilateral laterocervical lymph nodes associated with fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss. She was diagnosed as having the KFD only after an excision biopsy of the largest laterocervical lymph node and was then managed symptomatically with NSAIDs. We also made a review of the literature for better awareness of the disease among physicians especially in those countries, like Italy, where the disease is not prevalent and may be frequently misdiagnosed. In fact, to our best knowledge, only seven Italian cases of KFD have been published in the last 15 years with patients being younger than 40 years. We finally highlight that it is noteworthy to consider KFD as differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy even in old patients, and, since a misdiagnosis of lymphoma is actually feasible, an early biopsy has to be taken into account for confirming diagnosis and helping in the timely and appropriate management.

A Challenging Case of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Review of the Literature

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare disease that is frequently underdiagnosed due to clinical features that are similar to those of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or infectious reactive lymphadenopathy. An excisional biopsy is required. We report a young Caucasian female diagnosed with KFD with skin lesions, complicating with SLE. The clinical course, laboratory, and CT findings are described, as are histopathologic features, for a better recognition of this rare disorder in clinical practice.

Pediatric Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: A clinicopathologic study and the therapeutic effects of hydroxychloroquine

BACKGROUND

To investigate the clinical features of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) in children, and place an emphasis on the therapeutic effects of hydroxychloroquine as monotherapy.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all children diagnosed with KFD during the period January 1992 to September 2016 at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan.

RESULTS

40 patients were histopathologically confirmed as KFD, and the mean age of the patients was 13.9 ± 3.1 years. The male to female ratio was 1:1. The lymph node involvements were often cervical (95%) with features of unilateral predisposition (75%), polyadenopathy (84.4%) and tenderness (56.3%). Fever, cough, rhinorrhea, and tonsillitis were other common presentations. Laboratory findings included leukopenia (56.5%), monocytosis (63.6%), with positive results of EB-VCA IgG (88.9%), EB-VCA IgM (22.2%), EBEA IgG (22.2%) and EBNA IgG (88.9%). The univariate analyses of prolonged fever with lymphopenia, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia and necrotizing type in histopathology were disclosed as statistically significant (P < 0.05). Corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine were administered in 15.6% of patients respectively, along with symptomatic treatments for the rest. Recurrence occurred in 13.0% of patients without corticosteroids or hydroxychloroquine treatment. There were neither recurrences nor relevant major adverse effects in all the five KFD cases treated with hydroxychloroquine.

CONCLUSION

KFD should be suspected in children with febrile cervical lymphadenopathy, especially when concomitant with leukopenia and monocytosis. Lymphopenia, monocytosis, thrombocytopenia and necrotizing type in histopathology are reliable predictors for prolonged fever. Hydroxychloroquine may be an alternative choice to corticosteroids for its favorable effects and safety.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and systemic lupus erythematosus

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is an infrequent idiopathic disorder. It has been associated with autoimmune disorders, of which systemic lupus erythematosus is the most outstanding. The basis of its diagnosis relies on the histological examination of lymph nodes, which typically reveals necrosis surrounded by histiocytes with crescentic nucleus, immunoblasts and plasma cells, and absence of neutrophils. We report the case of a 27-year-old Argentinian female patient without any relevant past medical history to demonstrate the correlation between Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

BACKGROUND

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare lymphohistiocytic disorder with an unknown etiopathogenesis. This disease is misdiagnosed as malignant lymphoma in up to one-third of cases and is associated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

The medical literature between the years 1972 and 2014 was searched for KFD, and the data were collected and analyzed regarding the epidemiology, clinical presentations, diagnosis, management, and suggested diagnostic and treatment algorithms.

RESULTS

Although KFD has been reported in other ethnic groups and geographical areas, it is more frequently diagnosed in young women of Asian descent. Patients with the disease typically present with rapidly evolving tender cervical lymphadenopathy, night sweats, fevers, and headache. Diagnosis is based on histopathological examination. Excisional lymph node biopsy is essential for a correct diagnosis. Apoptotic coagulation necrosis with karyorrhectic debris and the proliferation of histiocytes, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, and CD8(+) T cells in the absence of neutrophils are characteristic cytomorphology features. Interface dermatitis at the onset of KFD may be a marker for the subsequent evolution of SLE. The natural course of the disease is typically benign. Short courses of steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or hydroxychloroquine can be administered to patients with more severe symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Although KFD was described more than 40 years ago, the etiology of this disease remains unsolved. Infectious or autoimmune processes were proposed but have not been definitively confirmed. Clinical presentation with systemic B symptoms and adenopathy may lead to an erroneous diagnosis of malignant lymphoma. The introduction of modern methods into hematopathology, including immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, and molecular clonality studies, has decreased the probability of misdiagnosis. Until reliable prognostic markers are available, patients with KFD should have continued long-term follow-up care due to their increased risk of SLE.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: retrospective study of 91 cases and review of the literature

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare cause of lymphadenopathy, most often cervical. It has been mainly described in Asia. There are few data available on this disease in Europe. We conducted this retrospective, observational, multicenter study to describe KFD in France and to determine the characteristics of severe forms of the disease and forms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We included 91 cases of KFD, diagnosed between January 1989 and January 2011 in 13 French hospital centers (median age, 30 ± 10.4 yr; 77% female). The ethnic origins of the patients were European (33%), Afro-Caribbean (32%), North African (15.4%), and Asian (13%). Eighteen patients had a history of systemic disease, including 11 with SLE. Lymph node involvement was cervical (90%), often in the context of polyadenopathy (52%), and it was associated with hepatomegaly and splenomegaly in 14.8% of cases. Deeper sites of involvement were noted in 18% of cases. Constitutional signs consisted mainly of fever (67%), asthenia (74.4%), and weight loss (51.2%). Other manifestations included skin rash (32.9%), arthromyalgia (34.1%), 2 cases of aseptic meningitis, and 3 cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Biological signs included lymphocytopenia (63.8%) and increase of acute phase reactants (56.4%). Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and anti-DNA antibodies were present in 45.2% and 18% of the patients sampled, respectively. Concomitant viral infection was detected in 8 patients (8.8%). Systemic corticosteroids were prescribed in 32% of cases, hydroxychloroquine in 17.6%, and intravenous immunoglobulin in 3 patients. The disease course was always favorable. Recurrence was observed in 21% of cases. In the 33 patients with ANA at diagnosis, SLE was known in 11 patients, diagnosed concomitantly in 10 cases and in the year following diagnosis in 2 cases; 6 patients did not have SLE, and 4 patients were lost to follow-up (median follow-up, 19 mo; range, 3-39 mo). The presence of weight loss, arthralgia, skin lesions, and ANA was associated with the development of SLE (p < 0.05). Male sex and lymphopenia were associated with severe forms of KFD (p < 0.05). KFD can occur in all populations, irrespective of ethnic origin. Deep forms are common. An association with SLE should be investigated. A prospective study is required to determine the risk factors for the development of SLE.

Fatal Kikuchi-like lymphadenitis associated with connective tissue disease: a report of two cases and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, is usually a benign self-limiting disease which typically affects young females under the age of 30 years and resolves without treatment within six months. However, when it occurs in the context of connective tissue disease, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), it is usually associated with a flare-up of the patient's symptoms, requiring treatment, and can lead to severe, potentially life-threatening sequelae.

CASE DESCRIPTION

Here, we report and compare two cases of unclassifiable connective tissue disease who developed a Kikuchi-like lymphadenitis and sepsis-like clinical syndrome, including disseminated intravascular coagulation, which proved rapidly fatal.

DISCUSSION AND EVALUATION

In our review of the literature, we found 55 cases of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease occurring in the context of definite connective tissue disease, 50 of which were associated with SLE. Of the 55 cases, 22 (40%) had simultaneous onset with, 19 (35%) predated the onset of and 14 (25%) developed after the associated connective tissue disease. Life-threatening autoimmune sequelae were reported in 8 cases, 2 of which were fatal. The aetiology of the association remains unknown.

CONCLUSION

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a histopathological diagnosis, and although the classical form appears to represent a distinct entity, it is unclear whether it is always the same entity, regardless of the context in which it occurs, or whether it represents a histological pattern with a variety of possible causes. In any case, the possibility of auto-immune sequelae in patients with known autoimmune disease should always be considered if these patients present with a sepsis-like clinical syndrome and no infective source is identified.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: retrospective study of 91 cases and review of the literature

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare cause of lymphadenopathy, most often cervical. It has been mainly described in Asia. There are few data available on this disease in Europe. We conducted this retrospective, observational, multicenter study to describe KFD in France and to determine the characteristics of severe forms of the disease and forms associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We included 91 cases of KFD, diagnosed between January 1989 and January 2011 in 13 French hospital centers (median age, 30 ± 10.4 yr; 77% female). The ethnic origins of the patients were European (33%), Afro-Caribbean (32%), North African (15.4%), and Asian (13%). Eighteen patients had a history of systemic disease, including 11 with SLE. Lymph node involvement was cervical (90%), often in the context of polyadenopathy (52%), and it was associated with hepatomegaly and splenomegaly in 14.8% of cases. Deeper sites of involvement were noted in 18% of cases. Constitutional signs consisted mainly of fever (67%), asthenia (74.4%), and weight loss (51.2%). Other manifestations included skin rash (32.9%), arthromyalgia (34.1%), 2 cases of aseptic meningitis, and 3 cases of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Biological signs included lymphocytopenia (63.8%) and increase of acute phase reactants (56.4%). Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and anti-DNA antibodies were present in 45.2% and 18% of the patients sampled, respectively. Concomitant viral infection was detected in 8 patients (8.8%). Systemic corticosteroids were prescribed in 32% of cases, hydroxychloroquine in 17.6%, and intravenous immunoglobulin in 3 patients. The disease course was always favorable. Recurrence was observed in 21% of cases. In the 33 patients with ANA at diagnosis, SLE was known in 11 patients, diagnosed concomitantly in 10 cases and in the year following diagnosis in 2 cases; 6 patients did not have SLE, and 4 patients were lost to follow-up (median follow-up, 19 mo; range, 3-39 mo). The presence of weight loss, arthralgia, skin lesions, and ANA was associated with the development of SLE (p < 0.05). Male sex and lymphopenia were associated with severe forms of KFD (p < 0.05). KFD can occur in all populations, irrespective of ethnic origin. Deep forms are common. An association with SLE should be investigated. A prospective study is required to determine the risk factors for the development of SLE.

Recurrent lymphadenopathy in children with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is characterized by self-limiting regional lymphadenopathy with prolonged fever. Although the reported recurrence rate of KFD is known to be 3-4 %, this rate appears to be higher in our clinical experience, and rates up to 38.5 % have been previously reported. In this retrospective study, we reviewed medical records of children with pathologically confirmed KFD to investigate the factors associated with recurrent KFD. Enrolled children were divided into two groups according to the recurrence of KFD, and clinical and laboratory factors were compared between the two groups. The recurrence of KFD was determined based not on repeated pathologic confirmation but on the presence of clinical febrile lymphadenopathy. A total of 33 children with KFD, 26 boys (78.8 %) and 7 girls (21.2 %), with a median age of 12 years (9 months to 19 years), were enrolled. Thirty-one children (93.9 %) complained of fever, and most of the children (90.9 %) complained of cervical lymphadenopathy. Neutropenia (<1,500/μL) or lymphopenia (<1,500/μL) was observed in 51.5 %. Lactate dehydrogenase level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein level were elevated in 90.9, 96.9, and 54.5 % of children, respectively. Fourteen children (42.4 %) experienced recurrent KFD, including ten children after biopsy and four children before and after biopsy. In a multivariate analysis, a past history of other systemic illnesses (p = 0.013) and a higher absolute lymphocyte count (p = 0.023) were significantly associated with recurrent KFD. These systemic illnesses were chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune thyroiditis, nephrotic syndrome, perinatal cytomegalovirus infection, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that recurrent KFD is more frequent than reported, and recurrent KFD should be considered in children with a history of other systemic illnesses such as immune disorders.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: part of the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy in an HIV-positive patient

A 38-year-old HIV-positive Nigerian woman presented with a three-week history of cervical lymphadenopathy, night sweats, weight loss and fever. Provisional diagnoses of tuberculosis and lymphoma were considered; however, a histological diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease was reached. This rare benign disease has presenting features that mimic more serious conditions commonly occurring in HIV-positive patients. This case report emphasises the importance of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy in HIV-positive patients.

Characteristics of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease in children compared with adults

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a benign, self-limiting disease characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy. Although it was primarily thought to be a disease of young adults, it has been increasingly recognized in children. To define the characteristics of KFD in children, we reviewed the medical records of patients younger than 18 years of age who were diagnosed with KFD from 2001 to 2012 at Korea University Medical Center, as well as worldwide published reports of KFD. A total of 140 pediatric patients and 733 patients of all ages was analyzed. Compared to the female predominance found in adults (2:1), young boys were more commonly affected than young girls (1.4:1). Cervical lymphadenopathy was the most common clinical finding in children, as it was in adults. Lymphadenopathy was more likely to be tender (69 vs. 44 %, p < 0.001) but less generalized (1 vs. 8 %, p < 0.05) in children compared to adults. Fever (82 vs. 35 %, p < 0.001) and rash (10 vs. 4 %, p < 0.05) were observed in children more commonly than in adults. Leukopenia was observed in 50 and 38 % of children and adults, respectively. Rates of recurrence and association with autoimmune diseases in children were comparable to those of adults. Cervical lymphadenopathy was the most common clinical manifestation of KFD in all ages. While fever and rash were more common in children with KFD compared to adults, generalized lymphadenopathy was rarer.

A Rare Case of Kikuchi Fujimoto's Disease with Subsequent Development of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Kikuchi Fujimoto's disease (KFD) is a rare, immune-mediated, self-limiting disorder with unique histopathological features. KFD is usually seen in young Asian females; however, cases have been reported throughout the world and in all ethnicities. It has been recognized that there is a rare association between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and KFD via sporadic case reports. The exact pathophysiological relationship between these two diseases is still unclear. We report a case of a young Asian female who presented with persistent fever and lymphadenopathy and was diagnosed with Kikuchi Fujimoto's disease based on lymph node biopsy; although an SLE workup was done, she did not meet the American Rheumatology Association (ARA) diagnostic criteria for lupus, and the lymph node biopsy did not show features of SLE. She improved clinically with a short course of steroid therapy. Two months later, the patient presented with central facial rash and arthralgia. SLE workup was repeated, a skin biopsy was done, and the results at this time supported a diagnosis of SLE.

A case of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease with autoimmune thyroiditis

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a benign self-limiting disease characterized by fever and lymphadenitis. The etiology and pathogenesis of KFD is unclear. However, two hypotheses have been suggested: a viral infection hypothesis and an autoimmune hypothesis. Several KFD patients with various types of autoimmune diseases have been reported, and these reports support the hypothesis for autoimmune pathogenesis of KFD. Here, we report the case of a 17-year-old female patient diagnosed with KFD and autoimmune thyroiditis. This case serves as additional evidence that the etiology of KFD is autoimmune origin.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Kikuchi's Disease: Presentation of a Case and Review of the Literature

We report the case of a 19-year-old woman with a history of Hashimoto's thyroiditis who presented with tender right anterior cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. Workup for infectious, autoimmune, and malignant causes was unremarkable. Surgical removal of cervical lymph nodes after detailed magnetic resonance (MR) imaging disclosed necrotizing lymphadenitis, also known as Kikuchi's disease (KD). The patient was treated with a short-term course of steroids, due to the onset of pancytopenia and borderline antiphospholipid antibodies combined with increased anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) titers. Despite being a diagnosis of exclusion, KD should be included in the differential of such patients, particularly in cases of previous or concurrent autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which necessitate a long-term follow-up.

Recurrent histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis with a long latency in a patient with autoimmunity: a case report and review of literature

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), a histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), characteristically presents as cervical lymphadenopathy in young Asian women. Most resolve spontaneously with rare recurrences described. We report a patient with biopsy-proven recurrence of KFD-like HNL after almost 8 years and analyze 65 additional published cases with recurrences. While those with recurrences similarly affect young (average age = 27 years), Asian (80%) women (76%), 73% had multiple sites of involvement and 32% of those tested had underlying autoimmune conditions. Our case is unusual with respect to the following: (a) Age: 50 years, the oldest among the reported patients with recurrences. (b) Race: African descent, with only 3 others reported with recurrent HNL. Of these 4 cases, 2 had underlying autoimmunity. (c) Underlying condition: Her clinical and laboratory features were best felt to represent Sjögren's syndrome (SjS). Only 2 other cases of SjS-associated HNL have been reported; in 2 recently reported cases SjS developed subsequently.