[Subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi and Fugimoto's disease)]

Subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis preferently or exclusively located in the cervical area is often unilateral, self-limited and of probable viral origin. Women under 30 years of age are affected in 80% of cases. Cure is produced in 2 to 3 months although sometimes a much longer course may be observed. Recurrence in the same or other areas may also occur. The histological pattern is characteristic with foci of necrosis with dust-like nuclear rests, absence of neutrophils, scarcity of plasma cells and a notorious proliferation of T4, lymphoimmune histiocytes that partially or completely erase the lymphoid structure. The aspect of a non Hodgkin large cell lymphoma may be stimulated.