Kikuchi Fujimoto lymphadenitis: Case report and literature review

Abstract

We describe a young woman with two severe episodes of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease occurring 16 years apart. Both episodes were proven by biopsy, and on the second occasion the patient remained dependent on high-dose prednisone for more than 6 months in order to control inflammation and achieve a reduction in cervical lymph node size. The second lymph node biopsy showed leukocytoclastic vasculitis in addition to the typical features of Kikuchi Fujimoto disease, but, even though the clinical interpretation of this finding was unclear, we documented no clinical or laboratory evidence of the development of other serious systemic disease over 20 years of follow-up. Kikuchi Fujimoto disease is considered a disorder with a self-limited course and a favorable outcome. However, on the basis of our experience with this patient and data from peerreviewed literature, we suggest that this generally accepted postulate should be revised.

Pediatric Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease masquerading as a submandibular gland tumor

“…Recurrence is rarely observed; its incidence range from 3 to 4% [6,8,15]. Only few fatal cases of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease had been reported [11,14,16,17].…”

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease associated with mixed connective tissue disease

“…KFD has also been described in a few patients with adult Still's disease (10), polymyositis (11), and other inflammatory diseases (12).…”

Cutaneous Manifestation of Kikuchi–Fujimoto Disease in the Setting of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (Wegener’s)

“…The disease is self limited, usually resolving in one to four months, although recurrent cases have been reported. 5,6 Appropriate management consists of supportive measures and outpatient follow up.…”