Kikuchi fujimoto disease: A clinical and cytohistopathological studies of four cases with brief review of literature

Abstract

Background: Kikuchi Fujimoto Disease (KFD) is a benign, rare, and self-limiting disease occurring among young individuals. This is commonly encountered as cervical lymphadenitis and due to its long-term presentation, it often gets mistaken as malignant lymphomas. The authors highlighted this benign entity that occurred in wide range of age group, which needs just a symptomatic therapy and follow-up. Study Design: A total four cases of KFD diagnosed in Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College and Post Graduates Institute of Medical Science and Research (PGIMSR), Rajajinagar, Bangalore over a period from June 2010 to June 2013. The clinical and cytohistological features in all four cases were evaluated. Results: In the present study, all the 4 cases were females with wide age range from 14 to 37 years and presented with painful cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. The predominant cytological features of KFD were karyhorrechtic debris and necrosis; however, all four cases needed biopsy for confirmed diagnosis. On histopathological study, 3 of 4 cases confirmed the diagnosis of KFD except a single case, which posed dilemma with lymphoma, which on immunohistochemistry proved it to be KFD. Conclusion: KFD being rare, awareness of this entity and referral of patients with persistent lymphadenopathy to rule out this rare entity is of at most importance and reduces the apprehension associated with mis-diagnosis with lymphomas. Also it further emphasizes the fact that histopathology is the confirmatory diagnostic tool for KFD.