DNA typing of HLA class II genes (HLA-DR, -DQ and -DP) in Japanese patients with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi's disease)

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease during early pregnancy

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is rare during pregnancy. It is characterized by necrotizing lymphadenitis and often occurs in young Asian women. We report a case of KFD during pregnancy, which was difficult to diagnose. A 37-year-old pregnant female (gestational week [GW] 7+5) was admitted to our hospital because of hyperemesis gravidarum. On the eighth day of hospitalization (GW 8+6), she suddenly developed a fever (38.0°C) with skin rash and posterior pharynx redness. Blood tests showed pancytopenia and abnormal liver function. The patient was misdiagnosed with severe Epstein-Barr virus infection and administered with prednisolone. Subsequently, cervical lymphadenopathy was observed, and biopsy results led to the diagnosis of KFD. Thereafter, her symptoms improved, and she was discharged at GW 13+4. KFD must be included as a differential diagnosis for patients with fever, abnormal liver function, and pancytopenia during pregnancy.

Kikuchi disease in acute leukaemia: a distinct clinical syndrome with HLA association

AIMS

To report the clinicopathological features of Kikuchi disease in patients with acute leukaemia, emphasising similarities among cases.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In a cohort of 454 Kikuchi disease patients, we identified three cases of concurrent acute leukaemia. These patients shared similar clinical traits, with Kikuchi disease emerging approximately a month after induction chemotherapy onset, featuring neck-region lymphadenopathy. Notably, two patients were middle-aged, deviating from the typical age distribution of Kikuchi disease. Histologically, these cases aligned with typical Kikuchi disease. Negative immunohistochemical stains (CD34, CD117, ERG, TdT) indicated the absence of extramedullary leukaemic infiltration. Herpes simplex virus immunohistochemical staining was also negative. Significantly, a human leucocyte antigen (HLA) association was observed in these three cases. HLA-B*15:01, C*04:01, and DRB1*04:06 were more prevalent in these patients compared to the general population (compared with three independent control cohorts: Taiwanese Han Chinese (n = 504), Tzu Chi Taiwanese bone marrow donors (n = 364) and Hong Kong Chinese (n = 5266)).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study underscores the unique link between Kikuchi disease and acute leukaemia, characterised by specific features and HLA associations. This underlines Kikuchi disease as a possible differential diagnosis in pertinent clinical scenarios. Furthermore, this syndrome offers insights into postchemotherapy immunology in acute leukaemia, enhancing comprehension.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in Human Leukocyte Antigen Partially Matched Siblings: A Case Study of Familial Susceptibility

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare and self-limiting disorder that predominantly affects young individuals of Asian descent. This case report describes familial KFD in partially human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched siblings. An adolescent male presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, diagnosed by biopsy as KFD; approximately one year later, his sister presented with similar symptoms. Both siblings were found to carry the HLA-DPB1*0202 allele, which is commonly associated with KFD. These cases highlight a genetic component in KFD and encourage further genetic research to delineate the pathogenesis of the disease.

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.

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 Malignant Mimicker: Features of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in the Pediatric Population

BACKGROUND

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, and self-limited disease that presents with cervical lymphadenopathy and systemic symptoms. Histologic evaluation is often necessary to differentiate KFD from other entities.

METHODS

Electronic medical records and diagnostic material were reviewed for 14 children diagnosed with KFD and 6 children diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis (IM) from 2013-2021. Four cases of KFD were further characterized using targeted DNA-based next-generation sequencing.

RESULTS

Systemic symptoms were present in 86% (n = 12/14) of KFD patients, the most common being fever. Laboratory values worrisome for malignancy included cytopenia(s) (n = 9/12), elevated ESR and/or CRP (n = 9/12), elevated ferritin (n = 7/7), and elevated LDH (n = 7/10). Histologically, lymph nodes showed characteristic necrotic foci without neutrophils surrounded by MPO+ "crescentic" histiocytes. Immunoblasts and CD123+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) were also increased surrounding the necrosis. IM lymph nodes showed similar features when necrosis was present but increases in pDCs were patchy and rare neutrophils were seen in the necrotic foci. Molecular analysis of 4 KFD cases did not identify pathogenic variants.

CONCLUSION

While the signs/symptoms of KFD are worrisome, there are pathologic features that help differentiate it from potential mimics. We did not identify characteristic molecular features to aid in the work-up of these cases.

Clinical Analysis of 44 Children with Subacute Necrotizing Lymphadenitis

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease in the Eastern Mediterranean zone

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare benign and self-limiting syndrome. We aim to review cases of KFD at our institution as a rare illness in the Arab ethnic descent and to analyse reports from most countries in the East Mediterranean zone. This is a retrospective study in which the histopathology database was searched for the diagnosis of KFD. A full review of KFD patients’ medical records was done. Data regarding demographic features, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, comorbidities, and management protocols were obtained. Published KFD cases from east Mediterranean countries were discussed and compared to other parts of the world. Out of 1968 lymph node biopsies studied, 11 (0.6%) cases of KFD were identified. The mean age of patients with KFD was 32 years (4–59). 73% (8/11) were females. The disease was self-limiting in 5 patients (45%); corticosteroid therapy was needed in 4 patients (34%). One patient was treated with methotrexate and one with antibiotics. One patient died as a consequence of lymphoma. Jordanians and Mediterranean populations, especially those of Arab ethnic background, seem to have low rates of KFD. The genetic susceptibility theory may help to explain the significantly higher disease prevalence among East Asians. Early diagnosis of KFD—although challenging—is essential to reduce the morbidity related to this illness.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Complicated by Rheumatoid Arthritis, Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, and Hypothyroidism

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, self-limited syndrome characterized by tender lymphadenopathy and low-grade fever. It may also present with rash, arthritis, fatigue, and splenomegaly. Data on the disease is limited, and its etiology remains largely unknown.

Here, we present the case of a 30-year-old female with a medical history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), previously treated with etanercept, type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM-1), and Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism; she was brought in to an emergency department (ED) in Houston after a generalized tonic-clonic seizure and loss of consciousness. She was hypoglycemic, which was thought to have caused her DM-1 and seizure. CT scan of her chest showed multiple enlarged lymph nodes throughout the neck, superior mediastinum, and axilla, along with interstitial edema and bilateral pleural effusions. She was treated with dextrose drip and regained her consciousness. However, she had persistent pancytopenia, low-grade fever, and tender axillary lymphadenopathy. Infectious workup for tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and parvovirus B-19 were negative. Her bone marrow biopsy revealed iron-deficiency anemia, while excisional axillary lymph node biopsy showed extensive necrosis consistent with KFD. She was treated with supportive care. Her neutrophilic fever resolved, and she was discharged home after 48-hours of remaining afebrile. Six months after her hospitalization, the patient remained well, and her complete blood count showed no abnormalities.

Due to the non-specific clinical features and laboratory findings of KFD, it is commonly misdiagnosed as infectious, autoimmune, or malignant lymphadenitis, leading to excessive diagnostic tests and unnecessary treatments. Physicians need to be cognizant of KFD and consider it in young patients presenting with tender lymphadenopathy, low-grade fevers, and leukopenia. To our best knowledge, this is the first reported case of a patient with concurrent RA, Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, and KFD. This report elucidates the autoimmune nature of KFD and its association with other autoimmune diseases.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in a Young Female: A Case Report and Literature Review

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, a rare immune-mediated disorder presenting with lymphadenopathy, leukopenia, and occasionally fever. Herein we report a case of KFD who presented with anorexia, fever, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Lymph node biopsy and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of KFD. She was treated with prednisolone and paracetamol, and her condition improved gradually on subsequent follow-up. A patient presenting with fever and lymphadenopathy leads to prompt investigations for common diseases such as tuberculosis and lymphoma. However, rare diseases like KFD must be kept in mind, and a lymph node biopsy followed by histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry should be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Carbamazepine-induced delayed-onset agranulocytosis in a case of bipolar disorder with Kikuchi's disease

A 48-year-old man who is a known case of bipolar disorder was maintaining well on a combination of carbamazepine and quetiapine for 3 years until he developed fever, severe leucopenia and lymphadenopathy, along with significant loss of weight and appetite. A thorough investigation revealed Kikuchi's disease as a likely histological diagnosis. Carbamazepine was discontinued and quetiapine was titrated for the management of psychiatric symptoms. The patient gradually made good recovery following discontinuation of carbamazepine and the diagnosis of drug-induced myelosuppression was retained. Clinicians need to be aware of the adverse effects of medications being used for long-term prophylaxis and other possible conditions that may change the course of drug effects.

Distinguishing lupus lymphadenitis from Kikuchi disease based on clinicopathological features and C4d immunohistochemistry

OBJECTIVES

Distinguishing Kikuchi disease (KD) from lupus lymphadenitis (LL) histologically is nearly impossible. We applied C4d immunohistochemical (IHC) stain to develop diagnostic tools.

METHODS

We retrospectively investigated clinicopathological features and C4d IHC staining in an LL-enriched development cohort (19 LL and 81 KD specimens), proposed risk stratification criteria and trained machine learning models, and validated them in an external cohort (2 LL and 55 KD specimens).

RESULTS

Clinically, we observed that LL was associated with an older average age (33 vs 25 years; P=0.005), higher proportion of biopsy sites other than the neck [4/19 (21%) vs 1/81 (1%); P=0.004], and higher proportion of generalized lymphadenopathy compared with KD [9/16 (56%) vs 7/31 (23%); P=0.028]. Histologically, LL involved a larger tissue area than KD did (P=0.006). LL specimens exhibited more frequent interfollicular pattern [5/19 (26%) vs 3/81 (4%); P=0.001] and plasma cell infiltrates (P=0.002), and less frequent histiocytic infiltrates in the necrotic area (P=0.030). Xanthomatous infiltrates were noted in 6/19 (32%) LL specimens. Immunohistochemically, C4d endothelial staining in the necrotic area [11/17 (65%) vs 2/62 (3%); P<10-7], and capillaries/venules [5/19 (26%) vs 7/81 (9%); P=0.048] and trabecular/hilar vessels [11/18 (61%) vs 8/81 (10%); P<10-4] in the viable area was more common in LL. During validation, both the risk stratification criteria and machine learning models were superior to conventional histological criteria.

CONCLUSIONS

Integrating clinicopathological and C4d findings could distinguish LL from KD.

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.

Kikuchi Fujimoto disease: sinister presentation, good prognosis

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, self-limiting necrotizing lymphadenitis of unknown etiology. The disease can affect people of all ages and of any sex and ethnicity. Tissue biopsy is needed for accurate diagnosis. The condition commonly masquerades as more sinister conditions such as malignancy and rheumatologic disorders, but has a much better prognosis. Treatment is generally supportive but patients may require corticosteroids with eventual spontaneous resolution. We discuss a case of KFD in a 34-year-old male and highlight the need for prompt and accurate diagnosis.

Intensive care management of a rare case of pyrexia of unknown origin (Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease)

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare, benign cause of necrotising lymphadenitis often presenting with fever. We describe a case of a 17-year-old boy with non-verbal autism presenting to our intensive care unit with prolonged fever of unknown cause. This case highlights the role of the intensive care unit in cases of diagnostic dilemma. The critical care community should be aware of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease as although it is usually benign, it can rarely lead to acute airway compromise.

Case Report of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease from Sub-Saharan Africa: An Important Mimic of Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare form of painful lymphadenopathy, usually cervical, which is more common in Southeast Asia and rarely reported from Africa. Symptoms are usually nonspecific (fever, night sweats, etc.), and can mimic more common diseases such as tuberculosis (TB) in endemic areas. We report a case of a 29-year-old black African woman who was admitted with headache, neck pain, fever, and lymphadenopathy. She was found to have aseptic meningitis, eventually attributed to TB based on cervical node biopsy, although further histology suggested KFD. Blood tests for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were negative; she had already been commenced on anti-TB treatment and had responded well and so was continued with this therapy. She was also later diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis 3 months after her diagnosis of KFD. Five months after stopping TB treatment, she was readmitted with the same symptoms and associated painless lymphadenopathy. Repeat biopsy was morphologically similar to that of 2017, and repeat evaluation confirmed SLE. She has since been managed by a rheumatologist and continues to do well.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A Review

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare entity characterized by subacute necrotizing lymphadenopathy and frequently associated with fever. Young adults of Asian ancestry are most commonly affected, but it has been reported worldwide. Despite many studies in the literature, the cause of KFD remains uncertain. Histologically, KFD is characterized by paracortical lymph node expansion with patchy, well-circumscribed areas of necrosis showing abundant karyorrhectic nuclear debris and absence of neutrophils and eosinophils. Three evolving histologic patterns-proliferative, necrotizing, and xanthomatous-have been recognized. By immunohistochemistry, histiocytes in KFD are positive for myeloperoxidase. There is a marked predominance of T cells in the lesions (with mostly CD8-positive cells) with very few B cells. The differential diagnosis of KFD includes infectious lymphadenitis, autoimmune lymphadenopathy (primarily systemic lupus erythematosus), and lymphoma. Clinicians and pathologists are poorly familiar with this entity, which frequently causes significant diagnostic challenges.

[Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease mimicking malignant lymphoma in adolescents]

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare cause of lymphadenopathy in children. This benign disease can mimic lymphoma and misleads doctors. It was first described in Asia, where it occurred especially in young women. Recent publications show that it can also affect teenagers and young adults in Caucasian populations. The pathophysiology remains unknown. Three hypotheses have been raised for this disease: the role of viruses (in particular HHV-8), genetic predisposition (two alleles in HLA class II genes were found more frequently in patients with Kikuchi disease), and an autoimmune cause because of the correlation with lupus erythematosus. Few cases have been reported in Europe so far. In this article, we report three cases of Kikuchi disease observed in less than 2 months in a single hospital in France. All three patients were teenagers who presented with lymphadenopathy, either isolated or combined with fever, weakness, and weight loss. In all of them, the hypermetabolic activity of the lymph node on the PET scanner misled us to suspect lymphoma. The diagnosis of Kikuchi disease was finally made, for all patients, after 2 weeks in the hospital based on lymph node biopsy. Based on this report, we highlight that early biopsy in presence of lymphadenopathy can avoid unnecessary extensive investigations. Moreover, in this rare disease, it is very surprising to come across three cases that are not family-related, in such a short period of time. This strengthens the hypothesis of the possible implication of an environmental factor in the pathophysiology of Kikuchi disease.

Case Report: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma following pretransplant nephrectomy for a 2.35 Kg kidney

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an extremely rare disease with a worldwide distribution and higher prevalence in Asians. It is a benign and self-limiting disorder, characterized by regional cervical lymphadenopathy accompanied with mild fever and night sweats. Lymph node histopathology is diagnostic and treating physicians should be aware of this entity as it may mimic other systemic diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, malignant lymphoma, and more rarely adenocarcinoma. Key features on lymph node biopsy are fragmentation, necrosis and karyorrhexis.

Treatment includes symptomatic care, analgesics-antipyretics, corticosteroids and spontaneous recovery occurs in 1 to 4 months. We report a case of adult polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) with end stage renal disease and episodes of fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. The infectious screen was negative and on extensive workup, the patient was found to have histiocytic-necrotizing lymphadenitis, which clinched the diagnosis of KFD.

[Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis: A report of two familial cases]

INTRODUCTION

The histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis or Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease is characterized by a lymph node inflammation whose similarity with systemic lupus is generally admitted.

CASE REPORT

Our description of two familial cases aims at raising the hypothesis of the existence of a genetic background in this disease following the example of what is observed in the autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSION

Pathophysiology of Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease is probably multifactorial and may include predisposing genetic background and a possible infectious triggering event.

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.

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.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease associated with systemic lupus erythematous: difficult case report and literature review

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a benign and self-limiting disease of unknown aetiology. KFD tends to affect a young population under 30 years of age and predominantly females. KFD is a rare pathology and its association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is not frequent. Herein, we present the case of a male Italian patient with SLE in association with KFD with 5 years of follow-up, where a differential diagnosis from infection or lymphoproliferative disease was problematic.

HLA-DRB1 alleles are associated with the susceptibility to sporadic Parkinson's disease in Chinese Han population

Immune disorders may play an important role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Recently, polymorphisms in the HLA-DR region have been found to be associated with sporadic PD in European ancestry populations. However, polymorphisms in the HLA complex are highly variable with ethnic and geographic origin. To explore the relationships between polymorphisms of the HLA-DR region and sporadic PD in Chinese Han population, we genotyped 567 sporadic PD patients and 746 healthy controls in two independent series for the HLA-DRB1 locus with Polymerase chain reaction-sequence based typing(PCR-SBT). The χ(2) test was used to evaluate the distribution of allele frequencies between the patients and healthy controls. The impact of HLA-DRB1 alleles on PD risk was estimated by unconditional logistic regression. We found a significant higher frequency of HLA-DRB1*0301 in sporadic PD patients than in healthy controls and a positive association, which was independent of onset age, between HLA-DRB1*0301 and PD risk. Conversely, a lower frequency of HLA-DRB1*0406 was found in sporadic PD patients than in healthy controls, with a negative association between HLA-DRB1*0406 and PD risk. Furthermore, a meta-analysis involving 195205 individuals was conducted to summarize the frequencies of these two alleles in populations from various ethnic regions, we found a higher frequency of HLA-DRB1*0301, but a lower frequency of HLA-DRB1*0406 in European ancestry populations than that in Asians, this was consistent with the higher prevalence of sporadic PD in European ancestry populations. Based on these results, we speculate that HLA-DRB1 alleles are associated with the susceptibility to sporadic PD in Chinese Han population, among them HLA-DRB1*0301 is a risk allele while the effect of HLA-DRB1*0406 deserves debate.

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease) after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity: a case report

Introduction

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare, benign, autoimmune condition characterized by lymphadenopathy, fever and neutropenia. It is a self-limited condition of unknown etiology.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 45-year-old Caucasian man with the first known case of Kikuchi disease associated with dramatic weight loss after bariatric surgery.

Conclusion

Although the association between Kikuchi disease and bariatric surgery may be entirely coincidental, we speculate whether the immune dysfunction associated with weight loss may have played an etiologic role in this process.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease following vaccination against human papilloma virus infection and Japanese encephalitis

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a benign and self-limited syndrome, characterized by regional lymphadenopathy and fever. Although the pathogenesis of KFD remains unclear, infectious agents, autoimmune causes, and physicochemical factors have been suggested as triggers. However, KFD following vaccination has never been reported. We present a 14-year-old girl who suffered from fever and cervical lymph node swelling following simultaneous administration of human papilloma virus vaccine and Japanese encephalitis virus vaccine. The patient was diagnosed with KFD based on the histopathologic findings of a lymph node biopsy, and her fever and swelling resolved with oral corticosteroid therapy. Although the exact pathogenesis of the development of KFD following immunization remains unknown, this should be added to the list of potential triggers or factors associated with the development of KFD.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis: role of parvovirus B-19, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, and human herpesvirus 8

Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis is a self-limited disorder that typically presents in young females as painless cervical lymphadenopathy with fever, anemia, and leukopenia. The clinical manifestations and pathologic findings suggest a viral etiology, yet specific etiologic agents remain unknown. Although there are studies reporting positive associations between Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis and parvovirus B19 and herpesviruses, other studies have failed to find an association with these viruses. To our knowledge, this current study is the largest study of Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis in Western patients that used polymerase chain reaction testing for 4 different common viral pathogens often implicated as etiologic agents in Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis. Archival material from 3 institutions was included, following confirmation of the diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis by 2 independent pathologists. Polymerase chain reaction from the paraffin-embedded tissue sections for parvovirus B19, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, and human herpesvirus 8 was performed. Eighteen cases of Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis were analyzed, 12 of which (60%) were cervical lymph nodes. All the cases showed typical geographic necrosis with abundant apoptotic debris, although the degree of necrosis was variable. Polymerase chain reaction revealed a high prevalence of parvovirus B19 in the controls (44%); there were fewer positive cases seen in the Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis cases (11%), but this did not reach statistical significance (P = .25).There were no significant differences between cases and controls in the prevalence of Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, and human herpesvirus 8 (P = .50 for all 3). Polymerase chain reaction failed to reveal a positive association between Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis and 4 common suspected viral agents. These findings do not support a role for Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, human herpesvirus 8, or parvovirus B19 in the pathogenesis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto lymphadenitis.

Kikuchi-fujimoto disease: a case report and literature review

Case. 38-year-old lady was referred to the ENT clinic with history of right-sided facial pain, otalgia, and odynophagia. Clinical examination revealed enlarged right-sided lymph nodes in the neck. Further radiological scans showed a mass near the carotid and enlarged level V lymph nodes. Lymphoma was initially suspected. Fine-needle aspiration and excision biopsy were undertaken. Histological analysis later suggested Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, also known as histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis. Literature Review. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) was described in 1972 as lymphadenitis with focal proliferation of reticular cells accompanied by numerous histiocytes and extensive nuclear debris. KFD, frequently found in East Asian countries, is rare in the UK. No definite aetiology of KFD is known despite autoimmune and infection factors being suggested. The diagnostic hallmark is histological findings from lymph nodes. Malignancy should be excluded. This condition is mainly self-limiting; hence, management is limited to supportive care. Steroid therapy could be used in severe cases. KFD is relatively unknown in the UK and this case report aims to highlight its occurrence in our population.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: three case reports

CONTEXT

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) manifests in most cases as unilateral cervical lymphadenomegaly, with or without accompanying fever. The disease mainly affects young women and has a self-limited course. It is more common in oriental countries, with few reports of its occurrence in Brazil. KFD should be included in the differential diagnosis of suspected cases of viral infections, tuberculosis, reactive lymphadenitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and metastatic diseases. It can be histologically confused with lymphoma. The disease is benign and self-limiting and an excisional biopsy of an affected lymph node is necessary for diagnosis. There is no specific therapy.

CASE REPORTS

This study reports on three cases of non-Asian female patients with KFD who were attended at our service between 2003 and 2006. A review of the literature was carried out, with a systematic search on this topic, with the aim of informing physicians about this entity that is manifested by cervical masses and fever.

[Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease]

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a necrotizing lymphadenitis, involving young patients, predominantly females. Lymphadenopathy is usually localized, particularly in the cervical area, mostly unilateral and tender. Fever is present in one third of cases. Associated skin lesions, arthralgia, myalgia, splenomegaly or hepatomegaly are rare. Laboratory evaluation shows a slight increase of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and leukopenia. Kikuchi-Fujimoto has been reported in association with other diseases, including systemic lupus, Still's disease, hemophagocytosis, pregnancy, other autoimmune diseases, and cancer. A viral or bacterial origin has been suspected but not confirmed. Lymph node biopsy allows the diagnosis and shows necrotizing lymphadenitis with acidophil necrosis, CD68+ histiocyte infiltrate, presence of plasmacytoid monocytes, multiple apoptotic cells (CD8+ T cell) with nuclear dust, immunoblastic reaction and the absence of neutrophils or eosinophils. The disease course is usually spontaneously favourable in few weeks or months, requiring corticosteroids only occasionally.

Kikuchi-fujimoto disease in a 30-year-old caucasian female

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare, self-limited, histiocytic, necrotizing lymphadenitis first described in Japan in 1972. Necrosis of lymph node tissue is caused by apoptosis and may be virally induced. It commonly presents with cervical lymphadenitis and fever. Despite its low incidence, Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease should be considered in patients with persistent lymphadenopathy. Originally thought to occur only in young Asian women, it is now recognized in other geographic regions. We report a 30-year-old white woman with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. We discuss the clinical features, differential diagnosis, radiography, pathology, and outcome.

Kinetic tremor and cerebellar ataxia as initial manifestations of Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease

Involvement of central nervous system occasionally occurs as a form of aseptic meningitis in Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD). However, acute cerebellar symptoms are very rare in KFD. We describe a 42 year-old woman presenting kinetic tremor and gait ataxia preceding cervical lymphadenopathy. The diagnosis of KFD was made based on pathology. Lymphocyte-dominant pleocytosis was observed in cerebrospinal fluid. Brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging showed no structural abnormalities. Acute cerebellar symptoms and cervical lymphadenopathy disappeared spontaneously within 2 months. This case of KFD involved unusual acute cerebellar symptoms. Selective involvement of the cerebellar system by viral or immunologic response may be attributed to acute cerebellar symptoms in KFD.

Paediatric Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a benign cause of fever and lymphadenopathy

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare and benign disease that typically affects the cervical lymph nodes. Its aetiology is unknown and a role of the autoimmune system in the pathogenesis is hypothesized. This self-limiting disease is often confused with malignancies. No specific management is generally required but long-term follow-up should be planned despite the low risk of recurrence, as recurrences have been described many years after the first episode and there is a high risk of development of an autoimmune disease or even lymphoma. We review the clinical and histological features of KFD and report an unusual case presenting with cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, and persistent fever.

Lymphadénite histiocytaire nécrosante ou maladie de Kikuchi-Fujimoto

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), first described independently by Kikuchi and Fujimoto in 1972, is a subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis of unknown cause. Although most frequent in young Asian women, KFD has a worldwide distribution. Clinically, KFD is characterized by lymphadenitis of one or more lymph nodes, predominantly in the posterior cervical region, fever, and leukopenia in up to 50% of cases. Extranodal manifestations can occur, especially skin lesions and aseptic meningitides. Diagnosis is usually confirmed by analysis of samples from an excisional biopsy of the affected nodes. Histologically, the lesions affect the cortical and paracortical areas of the node. Characteristic features include focal necrosis predominantly in the paracortical region with abundant karyorrhectic debris and atypical mononuclear cells around the necrotic zone (crescent-shaped histiocytes, plasmacytoid monocytes, and small lymphocytes and immunoblasts, mostly CD3(+)/CD8(+)), most often with an intact lymph node capsule, an absence of neutrophils, and a paucity of plasma cells. KFD has been classified into three histological subtypes and is thought to progress from the proliferative type (> 50%) to the necrotizing type (30%) and finally resolve into the xanthomatous type (< 20%). Differential diagnoses should include malignant lymphoma, infectious diseases such as toxoplasmatic lymphadenitis, tuberculous lymphadenitis and cat scratch disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The cause of KFD is unknown: a viral infection has been suggested, but not demonstrated, possibly involving human herpes virus 8 or Epstein-Barr virus. Apoptotic cell death plays a role: proliferating CD8(+) T-lymphocytes act as both killers and victims in the apoptotic process via Fas and perforin pathways. The course is usually benign with resolution in a few months with the use of antiinflammatory drugs. Regular follow-up is required because SLE may develop several years after the onset of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

Kikuchi - Fujimoto disease

Kikuchi - fujimoto disease also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is an idiopathic benign self limiting condition with a favourable outcome, usually affecting young women. The following cases have burn reported for clinical interest and for the rarity of the reports about this condition in ENT literature. In our series, we had 2 female patients aged 18 years and 25 years respectively and a male patient aged 45 years, presenting with fever, bilateral tender multiple cervical adenopathy including posterior triangle nodes not responding to routine antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drug treatment. ENT findings were within normal limits. Routine clinical investigations were within normal limits except for the raised ESR. Biopsy from one of the enlarged glands revealed necrotizing lymphadenitis. All the patients subsequently showed significant improvement locally in the neck and systemically without any further active treatment.

Quantitative analysis of herpesvirus load in the lymph nodes of patients with histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis using a real-time PCR assay

The cause of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) has been ascribed to viral infection, but its pathogenesis still remains unknown. Real-time PCR assays are useful not only for their sensitivity of detection but also for the quantitation of viral DNA with a wide linear range. We accordingly used this technique to estimate for each patient the viral load of the following members of the herpesvirus family: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human herpesvirus (HHV) types 6, 7, and 8. Samples of patients diagnosed as reactive lymphadenopathy (RL) were included for control. Thirty percent (6/20 cases) and 63% (12/19 cases) of the HNL and RL patients were positive for EBV, and the mean of the detectable EBV viral load of the HNL and that of the RL patients were 463 and 355 (copies/mug DNA), respectively. By in situ hybridization, EBV-encoded RNA could be detected in the lymph tissue samples with more than 14.3 copies/mug of EBV DNA. No significant difference was detected between the number of HNL patients with HHV6 DNA (3/20, 15%) or HHV7 DNA (2/20, 10%) and RL controls. CMV and HHV8 were not detected in the DNA from any patient. In this study, we were unable to definitively identify the causative herpesvirus for HNL; however, 1 HNL case had an extremely large copy number of HHV6-DNA and displayed positive immunostaining for the HHV6 early/late antigen in lesional areas of the node, suggesting that HHV6 infection may be associated with some cases of HNL.

High-throughput DNA typing of HLA-A, -B, -C, and -DRB1 loci by a PCR-SSOP-Luminex method in the Japanese population

We have developed a new high-throughput, high-resolution genotyping method for the detection of alleles at the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A, -B, -C, and -DRB1 loci by combining polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes (SSOPs) protocols with the Luminex 100 xMAP flow cytometry dual-laser system to quantitate fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides attached to color-coded microbeads. In order to detect the HLA alleles with a frequency of more than 0.1% in the Japanese population, we created 48 oligonucleotide probes for the HLA-A locus, 61 for HLA-B, 34 for HLA-C, and 51 for HLA-DRB1. The accuracy of the PCR-SSOP-Luminex method was determined by comparing it to the nucleotide sequencing method after subcloning into the plasmid vector using 150 multinational control samples obtained from the International HLA DNA Exchange University of California Los Angeles. In addition, we performed the PCR-SSOP-Luminex method for HLA allele typing on DNA samples collected from 1,018 Japanese volunteers. Overall, the genotyping method exhibited an accuracy of 85.91% for HLA-A, 85.03% for HLA-B, 97.32% for HLA-C, and 90.67% for HLA-DRB1 using 150 control samples, and 100% for HLA-A and -C, 99.90% for HLA-B, and 99.95% for HLA-DRB1 in 1,018 Japanese samples. The PCR-SSOP-Luminex method provides a simple, accurate, and rapid approach toward multiplex genotyping of HLA alleles to the four-digit or higher level of resolution in the Japanese population. It takes only approximately 5 h from DNA extraction to the definition of HLA four-digit alleles at the HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, and HLA-DRB1 loci for 96 samples when handled by a single typist.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare cause of lymphadenopathy and fever of unknown origin in children: report of two cases and review of the literature

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, a benign and unusual self-limiting histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis of unknown origin, should be included in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and fever of unknown origin. This disease mostly affects young Asian women and has rarely been reported in children, thus remaining a poorly recognized entity that is frequently confused with malignant lymphoma. The authors describe two children with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, with particular attention to diagnostic approach and clinical and histologic features of the disease.