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Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: pediatric case report
Eduardo Ojeda Lewis1, Héctor Vásquez Paz2
1Servicio de pediatría, Hospital Nacional Dos de Mayo de Lima, Ministerio de Salud, Lima, Perú. Address: Hospital Hipólito Unanue, Calle Blondel s/n, Cercado de Tacna, Perú.
Abstract:
The Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare disease that occurs mostly in young adults, although some cases have been reported in children. It is usually characterized by fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. The etiology of the disease remains unknown. Its course is usually benign and self-limited. It has special histopathological features that allow the differential diagnosis with other entities, which from a clinical point of view can be very complicated. We report a 9 years 11 months old girl with lymphadenopathy and fever with five months evolution, which is the longest evolution among the cases reviewed by the authors in world literature. Given that the presentation of this disease in children is very rare, we estimate that the knowledge of this disease is relevant and pediatricians must consider it in the differential diagnosis of fever of unknown origin in children.
Insights
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, a rare condition causing fever and swollen lymph nodes, can affect children. This case highlights its prolonged presentation, emphasizing its importance in pediatric differential diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Pathology
- Immunology
Background:
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, and self-limited disorder.
- KFD typically affects young adults with symptoms of fever and cervical lymphadenopathy.
- The exact etiology of KFD remains unknown, complicating diagnosis.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old girl presented with prolonged fever and lymphadenopathy for five months.
- This represents the longest documented duration of KFD symptoms in pediatric literature.
- Clinical presentation can mimic other serious conditions, posing diagnostic challenges.
Findings:
- The case underscores the rarity of KFD in pediatric populations.
- Histopathological features are crucial for differentiating KFD from other lymphadenopathies.
- Prolonged symptoms in children necessitate careful consideration of KFD.
Implications:
- Pediatricians should include KFD in the differential diagnosis for children with prolonged fever of unknown origin.
- Increased awareness of KFD in children can lead to earlier diagnosis and appropriate management.
- Further research into KFD etiology and presentation in children is warranted.
