Recurrent aseptic meningitis in association with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: Case report and literature review

Abstract

Background: Kikuchi Fujimoto disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis, is a benign and self-limiting condition characterised by primarily affecting the cervical lymph nodes. Recurrent aseptic meningitis in association with KFD is extremely rare and remains a diagnostic challenge.Case presentation: We report a 28-year-old man who presented 7 episodes of aseptic meningitis associated with KFD over the course of 7 years. Histopathological findings of enlarged lymph nodes led to the diagnosis of KFD. The patient's headache and lymphadenopathy spontaneously resolved without any sequelae.Conclusions: A diagnosis of KFD should be considered when enlarged cervical lymph nodes are observed in patients with recurrent aseptic meningitis. A long-term prognosis remains uncertain, and careful follow-up is preferred. © 2012 Komagamine et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.