Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a report of 3 cases

Cervical lymphadenopathy has many underlying etiologies. One of its rare causes is Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (Kikuchi's disease, histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis). We discovered such a cause in a 37-year-old woman who had presented with malaise, night sweats, and weight loss in addition to cervical lymphadenopathy. We based our diagnosis on excisional lymph node biopsy. We also review 2 other cases of Kikuchi's disease that were diagnosed by others at our institution. Clinically and histologically, Kikuchi's disease is very similar to lymphoma, and distinguishing the two is difficult. However, despite the fact that Kikuchi's disease is benign, an accurate diagnosis is important because misdiagnosis might lead to unnecessary surgery and/or chemotherapy.