[Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi disease): a case report]

Histicytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi disease) is a benign, self-limited disorder occurring in young adults, that is sometimes confused with malignant lymphoma. A definitive etiology has been not identified. Kikuchi's disease is characterized by collections of histiocytes and lymphocytes surrounding areas of necrosis in lymph nodes, containing fragments of karyorrhectic nuclear debris. There has been a report of a case of Kikuchi disease. We suggest that Kikuchi disease be considered as one of the differential diagnoses in young patients presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy and fever of unknown origin.