Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease)--a report of four cases

Four cases of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis without granulocytic infiltration (Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease) are described. All the cases were seen in young women who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy with mild or no fever. Histology of the lymphnode revealed paracortical necrotizing lesions with abundant karyorrhexis. Neutrophils were conspicuous by their absence. Diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease was considered after ruling out connective tissue disorders. Three of the four cases that were followed up showed a self-limiting course. It is important to differentiate this rare cause of febrile disease with enlargement of lymphnodes, from other causes of febrile disease with enlargement of lymphnodes, from other causes of lymphadenopathy, especially lymphoma.