Kikuchi Disease "A Lupus Mimicker": A Case Report

Kikuchi disease, also called, Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare self-limiting illness with an unknown etiology and pathogenesis. It is predominantly seen among young females. The cardinal clinical features include fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Skin eruptions have also been reported. In Oman, two cases have been reported to date, in 2005 and 2020, with only one case exhibiting skin manifestations. There is a paucity of disease in our country and worldwide. In this case report, we discuss the diagnosis of Kikuchi disease in a previously healthy 17-year-old Omani female who presented with fever, cervical lymphadenopathy, and malar rash. The clinical picture in this case resembled that of systemic lupus erythematosus. Due to the rarity of Kikuchi disease, particularly in our region, it is crucial to consider it as a differential diagnosis when a patient exhibits the aforementioned symptoms to prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, as it can easily be misdiagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus.