Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease - A Case Report in a Middle-aged Adult

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Immunology
• Oncology

Background:

• Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign lymphadenitis often affecting young adults.
• KFD presentation can mimic serious conditions like tuberculosis and lymphoma, complicating diagnosis.
• This case highlights KFD in a middle-aged adult, expanding its typical demographic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of KFD in a middle-aged adult.
• To emphasize KFD in the differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy.
• To underscore the diagnostic value of lymph node biopsy.

Main Methods:

• Clinical presentation of a 46-year-old female with cervical lymphadenopathy and fever.
• Diagnostic workup including tuberculosis screening (GeneXpert, Mantoux, culture) and imaging (ultrasonography, CT).
• Excisional lymph node biopsy for histopathological examination.

Main Results:

• Tuberculosis and malignancy workup were negative.
• Imaging showed multiple necrotic cervical lymph nodes.
• Histopathology revealed features consistent with KFD: necrosis, histiocyte/immunoblast proliferation, and lack of neutrophils.

Conclusions:

• Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease should be considered in adults with cervical lymphadenopathy, especially with negative routine investigations.
• Excisional lymph node biopsy is crucial for definitive KFD diagnosis.
• Symptomatic treatment led to complete resolution in this case.