Kimura disease masquerading tuberculosis: a rare case presentation

Kimura disease (KD) is an inflammatory disorder characterized by the development of subcutaneous lymphoid masses and regional lymphadenopathy. Due to its rarity and similarity to another disease, the diagnosis is complex.

Here, the authors present a case of KD in 26-year-old male from Nepal who initially did not respond to antitubercular therapy. Later on, KD was diagnosed based on histopathology. He was followed up in medical outpatient with a good response to corticosteroid therapy.

The diagnosis of KD is quite difficult in low-resource settings. The diagnosis is histopathological. Associated lymphadenopathy may mimic tuberculosis. Many patients respond well to the high-dose of steroid therapy; some might also require surgical excision or chemotherapy.

Hence, the physician should include KD as a differential when a male in his 20s or 30s presents with a subcutaneous nodular mass in the head and neck.