Kimura Disease Occurred in Upper Arm of a 5-year-old Boy-A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background:Kimura disease is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder involving the subcutaneous tissue and lymph nodes, typically of the head and neck area. Less than ten cases occurred on arms and hands were found from previous reports. In this report, we reported a patient suffered from Kimura disease affecting upper arm. To our knowledge, this is the youngest case in the literature.Aim and Objectives:To report a rare case and to review literatures on Kimura disease.Materials and Methods:A 5-year-old boy presented with a left upper arm enlarging soft tumor for six months. Preoperative MRI survey revealed two mass in distal upper arm adjacent to ulnar nerve.Surgical intervention was performed; the two masses and an additional lesion at the neighborhood of the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve were excised. Pathology findings supported the diagnosis of Kimura disease.Results:The patient is free of recurrence at a 9-month follow up and has good hand function.Conclusion:Based on the literature review, Kimura disease bears no malignant potential, and with high recurrence rate. Involvement of the arms and hands is rare. Treatment of Kimura disease includes surgical excision, regional radiotherapy and systemic corticosteroid. (J Taiwan Soc of Plast Surg 2011; 20: 330∼338)