Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Associated With Subcutaneous Panniculitis-Like T-Cell Lymphoma

Subcutaneous panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma (SPTL) is a variant of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that can mimic inflammatory panniculitis, particularly lupus erythematosus panniculitis, clinically and histologically. Patients with SPTL generally have a benign course, though SPTL can be complicated by hemophagocytic syndrome, which can negatively impact prognosis. We report a patient with recurrent SPTL and hemophagocytic syndrome accompanied by a necrotizing lymphadenitis consistent with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. SPTL and Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease have not previously been reported to occur together, but share many overlapping features. The relationship between these disorders, LE-associated panniculitis, and lupus lymphadenitis deserves further exploration.