Kikuchi-fujimoto disease: A clinical enigma

Abstract

Background: Kikuchi Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign self-limited disease characterized by prolonged regional lymphadenopathy associated with or without systemic signs or symptoms. It is a rare diagnosis in children. Due to the lack of pathognomonic clinical symptoms/signs, KFD poses a significant challenge to the clinician. Its diagnosis is confirmed by lymph node biopsy. Clinical Description: A 12.5-year boy presented with chronic cervical lymphadenopathy of 6-week duration, associated with mild-moderate fever, pain, and weight loss. He had raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukopenia, lymphopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Mantoux test was positive. He was managed as a case of tuberculous lymphadenopathy till the lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of KFD. Management: The child recovered without medications. There has been no recurrence or relapse in 1.5 years of follow-up. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of considering the diagnosis of KFD in children presenting with persistent or chronic lymphadenopathy.

Keywords

• histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis
• kikuchi-fujimoto disease
• lymphadenopathy