Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
Acute Tonsillitis With Concurrent Kikuchi's Disease as a Cause of Persistent Lymphadenopathy
Halimuddin Sawali1, Primuharsa Putra Sabir Husin Athar, Mazita Ami
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre, Jalan Yaakob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, 56000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Abstract:
We present a young adult female with symptoms of acute tonsillitis and tender cervical lymphadenopathy. Despite a full course of oral antibiotics, she had persistent left lower cervical lymphadenopathy measuring 2.0 x 1.5 cm at 2 weeks post-treatment. Rigid and flexible scope examinations did not reveal any abnormalities in the nasopharynx, oropharynx or hypopharynx. Tuberculosis tests were negative and blood index results were normal. Fine needle aspiration cytology revealed a non-specific granulomatous inflammatory process. Excisional lymph node biopsy was performed, and the patient was diagnosed as having Kikuchi's Disease (KD). We would like to highlight the diagnostic challenges in detecting this condition and the importance of differentiating KD from tuberculosis and malignant lymphoma, the latter of which requires aggressive treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Tonsillitis II: Management
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Atypical Pneumonia
Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis