A Case of Recurrent Cervical Lymphadenopathy Due to Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease

BACKGROUND Kikuchi-Fujimoto (KFD) disease is a rare benign syndrome of necrotizing lymphadenopathy with distinctive histologic characteristics and was first reported in 1972. It is usually manifested by painful cervical lymphadenopathy and fever in young people, predominantly in females. KFD is a self-limiting disease and recurrence is rare. CASE REPORT We present the case of a middle-aged woman who presented with recurrent cervical lymphadenopathy 3 times in 13 years. Diagnosis of KFD was made by excisional lymph node biopsy, showing typical histopathologic features. She was treated with oral prednisone, with a favorable response. CONCLUSIONS In patients with recurrent lymphadenopathy, excisional biopsy can lead to definitive diagnosis and directed treatment. KFD is an uncommon and potential cause for recurrent lymphadenopathy.