A common presentation of an uncommon pathology: Kimura disease

Abstract

Kimura's disease is a chronic, benign inflammatory condition of the subcutaneous tissue. It presents as painless, subcutaneous nodules of the head and neck, which are firm, painless, and may be single or multiple. It is most commonly seen in young adult Asian men. The nodes remain stable or may slowly enlarge over time. Elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, peripheral blood eosinophilia and lymphoid proliferation with eosinophilic infiltration on histopathological examination are the characteristic features. Spontaneous regression is usually seen. The diagnosis of Kimura's disease can be difficult and misleading, and it is important not to ignore histopathological features.