Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis Involving the Neck: Radiology-Pathology Correlation

Abstract

Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is an uncommon autoimmune condition characterized by fever, leukopenia, and neck swelling. Diagnostic imaging, including ultrasound and CT, typically demonstrates conglomerates of enlarged cervical lymph nodes with hypervascular cortices and areas of necrosis. Ultimately, the diagnosis is confirmed with the histopathologic findings of paracortical coagulative necrosis with karyorrhectic debris, abundant histiocytes, and absence of neutrophils. Other potential etiologies, such as other causes of infectious lymphadenitis, tuberculosis, lymphoma, and systemic lupus erythematosus, must be excluded. These features are exemplified in this sine qua non radiology–pathology correlation article.