Kikuchi-fujimoto disease: A case report and literature review

Abstract

Objectives: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), a lesser known cause of a self-limiting neck mass that is often confused with malignant lymphoma, is unfamiliar to many otolaryngologists. We offer a case study of a 26-year-old Mexican immigrant female who presented with a unilateral cervical neck mass and provide a brief literature review of KFD. Methods: We analyzed the appropriate information pertaining to the case including radiographic, laboratory and histopathologic findings and have reviewed the most recent literature pertaining to KFD. Results: We conclude that although KFD does appear in the otolaryngologic literature, it has been primarily published in the pathologic journals. This paper serves to update otolaryngologists about the more current theories on a lesser known etiology of a neck mass, KFD. Radiographs and pathology slides are presented. Conclusion: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis and Kikuchi’s disease, is a self-limiting condition usually presenting as a cervical lymphadenopathy in primarily young, adult females with a mean age of 30 years. First described independently but simultaneously by Kikuchi and Fujimoto in 1972, it is most common in Asia but has been seen worldwide. It is a disease process characterized by apoptosis that is influenced by Epstein-Barr virus and human herpesvirus-6. It is clinically significant because of the possible misdiagnosis of other diseases such as malignant lymphoma or tuberculosis. Because it has a histopathologic diagnosis, KFD has been primarily described in the pathologic literature and otolaryngologists continue to be unfamiliar with this disease.