Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease- a rare cause of cervical lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare benign self-limited disorder that is characterized of tender cervical lymphadenopathy accompanied with fever. It occurs more frequently in people of Asian descent but is described worldwide. Herein, we describe a case of a 22 year-old female who was referred to our hospital with tender right cervical lymphadenopathy with fever that was investigated thoroughly. The definitive diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease was set only after histological examination of the biopsied lymph node. Thereafter, the patient was managed conservatively. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease although an uncommon disease should be included in the differential diagnosis of a cervical mass as it may mimic lymphoma and systemic lupus erythematosus and misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatment with subsequent side effects.