Distinguishing Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease from lymphoma in patients by clinical and PET/CT features

To develop a scheme for distinguishing Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) from lymphoma in patients presenting enlarged lymph nodes (LNs) predominantly on the upper side of the diaphragm. From November 2015 to August 2023, 32 KFD patients and 38 lymphoma patients were pathologically confirmed and enrolled in this retrospectively study. Clinical and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) features were collected. When comparing those PET/CT parameters, we set 5 models with different research objects: (1) all affected LNs; (2) the 5 largest affected LNs in terms of maximum diameter; (3) the 5 largest affected LNs in terms of maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax); (4) the largest affected LNs in terms of maximum diameter; (5) the largest affected LNs in terms of SUVmax. Compared to lymphoma patients, KFD patients were younger; and with higher incidence of fever, arthralgia, abnormal serum white blood cell, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and splenomegaly; lower incidence of affected LNs perinodal infiltration, necrosis and conglomeration; more affected LNs in Head and Neck nodes (particularly in level II) and Axillary in KFD (P ˂ .05). PET/CT parameters presented as various difference in each model. Finally, 11 clinical and PET/CT features (age ≤ 34, with fever, arthralgia, abnormal white blood cell, abnormal LDH, and without node necrosis and node conglomeration have a score of 2 each; splenomegaly, perinodal infiltration, median maximum diameter ≤ 20.5 and median SUVmax ≤ 7.1 of affected LNs in model 2 have score of 1 each) were selected as scheme items for distinguishing KFD from lymphoma. Individuals who have a total score > 8, meet the criteria for KFD. Sensitivity and specificity were high: 86.8% (95% CI: 71.9%, 95.5%) and 96.9% (95% CI: 83.7%, 99.5%), AUC = 0.975 (95% CI: 90.5%, 99.6%), respectively. It can effectively distinguish KFD from lymphoma by clinical and PET/CT parameters.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A Rare Presentation in a Young Male

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare benign condition characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy and constitutional symptoms mimicking tuberculosis. We present the case of a 22-year-old male who presented with fever, dry cough, loss of appetite, multiple joint pains for 15 days, and loss of weight for one month. Physical examination revealed palpable cervical, occipital, axillary, and inguinal lymphadenopathy, and laboratory investigations were within normal limits except for raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) showed mediastinal lymphadenopathy with no pleuroparenchymal abnormality of the lung. Excision biopsy of a cervical lymph node confirmed necrotizing lymphadenitis consistent with KFD. The patient was treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and glucocorticoids, resulting in the resolution of symptoms and regression of lymphadenopathy. This case signifies the importance of considering KFD in the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy and highlights the significance of histopathological evaluation for accurate diagnosis and management guidance.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in Human Leukocyte Antigen Partially Matched Siblings: A Case Study of Familial Susceptibility

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare and self-limiting disorder that predominantly affects young individuals of Asian descent. This case report describes familial KFD in partially human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched siblings. An adolescent male presented with cervical lymphadenopathy and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, diagnosed by biopsy as KFD; approximately one year later, his sister presented with similar symptoms. Both siblings were found to carry the HLA-DPB1*0202 allele, which is commonly associated with KFD. These cases highlight a genetic component in KFD and encourage further genetic research to delineate the pathogenesis of the disease.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A Case of Febrile Cervical Lymphadenopathy With Hematological Abnormalities

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a benign but rare disorder associated with febrile cervical lymphadenopathy in young adults. Here, we discuss a case of a young female patient presenting with left tender cervical lymphadenopathy that progressed bilaterally with a fever of unknown origin. Laboratory parameters showed persistent leukopenia, especially neutropenia, which fluctuated with the degree of symptom severity. Two months were taken to confirm the diagnosis of KFD based on the histological interpretation of the lymph node biopsy. Supportive management with analgesics and paracetamol formed the main treatment. This case highlights the challenges and importance of diagnosing KFD to exclude other serious conditions such as lymphoma, tuberculosis, or lupus lymphadenitis that share similar clinical manifestations as KFD.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Systemic Sclerosis Overlap: A Unique Clinical Presentation

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL), is a rare self-limiting disorder presenting with fever and swollen lymph nodes. It is characterized by the focal proliferation of reticular cells, the presence of nuclear debris, and histiocytes. In advanced cases, it can present with hepato-splenomegaly and generalized lymphadenopathy. Historically, it has been associated with viral infections, as it frequently was found to be associated with upper respiratory symptoms. Alternative explanations include the immune response of T-cells leading to alteration in CD8-positive T-cell-mediated cell apoptosis. It is also speculated that KFD can be associated with rheumatological autoimmune diseases. We present a case of a 21-year-old African American female with a known diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-systemic sclerosis (SS) overlap presented with febrile lymphadenopathy and was diagnosed to have HNL on histological exam of lymph node biopsy.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in a 25-Year-Old Female: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare benign disease that presents as cervical lymphadenopathy and fever.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 25-year-old South Asian female dentist, recently married, presented to our emergency department due to two weeks of fever, sore throat, swollen neck, and cough. The patient initially presented to a private clinic and was prescribed antibiotics on two visits. On physical examination, her neck was swollen with palpable and tender right posterior and submandibular lymph nodes. Oropharyngeal examination revealed pharyngeal hyperemia without tonsillar enlargement, exudates, or mucocutaneous ulcers. Ultrasound imaging revealed enlarged neck and thoracic and abdominal lymph nodes. CBC showed leukopenia and anemia of chronic disease. B2 microglobulin, lactate dehydrogenase, and kappa light chains were elevated. Anti-ANA, anti-dsDNA, HIV polymerase chain reaction (PCR), Quantiferon-tuberculosis (TB), and rapid plasma reagin were all negative. A lymph node biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.

CONCLUSION

We believe this is the second case to be reported in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease has a non-specific presentation that overlaps with several conditions including autoimmune, infectious, and malignant. Therefore, a thorough clinical approach and a high grade of clinical suspicion is required to rule out other possible differential diagnosis. Finally, Although Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is mostly benign, clinicians should be careful as some patients might develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Still disease, or B cell lymphoma in the future.

Relapsing Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease With Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare, benign, and self-limited disease of uncertain etiology, affecting mostly young female patients. It usually manifests as posterior cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. Its diagnosis is based on typical histopathological changes after the exclusion of other diseases such as lupus, lymphoma, or infectious lymphadenitis. The authors present a 47-year-old female patient with recurring episodes of high fever, urticarial rash, myalgia, arthralgia, fatigue, sore throat, and generalized lymphadenopathy. Blood tests showed increased inflammatory parameters and positive antinuclear antibodies. In the two times the patient was admitted to the hospital there were no infectious agents isolated. The patient didn't fulfill the criteria for diagnosis of lupus or any other autoimmune disease and there was also no evidence of lymphoma or other neoplastic diseases. A positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was performed at the first and second hospitalizations, showing generalized lymphadenopathy. At the first hospitalization, a mediastinal lymph node biopsy was obtained, excluding lymphoproliferative or granulomatous disease. During the course of the second hospitalization, a cervical lymph node was excised for biopsy, the histopathological changes of which suggested the diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. The clinical course was complicated by hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, with a significant increase in inflammatory markers and liver dysfunction. The patient was treated with prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day, with complete resolution of clinical and biochemical changes.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: Diagnosis in a Relapsing Case

The differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy is varied. Different age groups require different approaches. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a rare but important diagnosis to consider after excluding more common aetiologies.

We present the case of a 21-year-old female with painful left cervical swelling, lasting over a week. Physical examination revealed multiple cervical lymphadenopathies, elastic, non-adherent to deep tissues which were tender to touch. Blood tests showed elevated acute phase proteins. Cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr, toxoplasmosis, and human immunodeficiency virus serologies were negative. Computed tomography of the neck revealed multiple cervical lymphadenopathies which were round-shaped, some with necrosis and with extracapsular extent. These features could be compatible with tuberculous lymphadenitis. However, interferon-gamma release assay was negative. Excisional biopsy was scheduled, but spontaneous regression did not allow it. Two weeks later she relapsed. Excisional biopsy revealed histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto’s diagnosis demands high clinical suspicion and histological documentation. This case represents a rare diagnosis of a relapsing disease.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in a Young Female: A Case Report and Literature Review

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, a rare immune-mediated disorder presenting with lymphadenopathy, leukopenia, and occasionally fever. Herein we report a case of KFD who presented with anorexia, fever, and cervical lymphadenopathy. Lymph node biopsy and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of KFD. She was treated with prednisolone and paracetamol, and her condition improved gradually on subsequent follow-up. A patient presenting with fever and lymphadenopathy leads to prompt investigations for common diseases such as tuberculosis and lymphoma. However, rare diseases like KFD must be kept in mind, and a lymph node biopsy followed by histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry should be done to confirm the diagnosis.

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A Rare Cause of Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare benign disease, clinically characterized by fever and tender cervical lymphadenopathy affecting the posterior cervical lymph nodes. This disease is usually accompanied by night sweats, rashes, and headaches. It generally affects young individuals, especially females, of Oriental-Asian origin. The etiology of KFD remains uncertain, but associations have been noted with viral diseases including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), as well as autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Sjogren's syndrome. This review points out the etiology of KFD with cervical lymphadenopathy alongside its clinical presentation, histological highlights, lab investigations, complications, and treatment. Accurate diagnosis of this disease depends on lymph node excisional biopsy. Three histological patterns of KFD are recognized: proliferative, necrotizing, and xanthomatous. Distinction from lymphadenopathy-associated alternate disorders (e.g., SLE, malignancy, tuberculosis, or another infectious lymphadenitis) is essential to ensure appropriate therapy. This self-limited condition entails nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief with consideration of corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine in severe cases.

Recurrent Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Masquerading as Lymphoma Successfully Treated by Anakinra

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare and benign disease that usually presents in middle-aged women of Oriental-Asian ethnicity. This condition was described in Japan for the first time in 1972. Though the clinical course is benign, KFD has been misdiagnosed as malignancy (e.g. lymphoma) or infection. The most common presentation of KFD is with localized or generalized lymphadenopathy, fever, fatigue, weight loss, hepatosplenomegaly, and rash. A definitive diagnosis of KFD can be made by excisional lymph node biopsy, as immunohistochemical analysis is necessary. We present here an interesting case of a 20-year-old Hispanic female who was diagnosed with KFD who failed therapy with steroids and was subsequently treated successfully with the interleukin-1 (IL-1) inhibitor - anakinra.

The Difficulty of Diagnosing Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in Infants and Children Under Six Years Old: Case Report and Literature Review

We came across a 20-month-old boy with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) who showed atypical symptoms that were difficult to diagnose. His symptoms were different from those experienced in common clinical KFD cases. Hence, we report his case presentation and review the literature on the difference in KFD symptoms between infants and young children (under six years of age), and school-age children (6 to 20 years). A 20-month-old boy was admitted to our hospital because of prolonged fever and an enlarged right axillary lymph node with pain. He developed erythema, which was like rubella, on the face, trunk, and upper and lower extremities. The rash soon disappeared after two days. The cervical lymph nodes were not palpable. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly were palpable. Leukopenia and a decrease in platelets were seen in the blood count. Curiously, leukocytosis developed after leukopenia was first observed. Serology titers for several pathogens were negative. A CT scan of the lungs showed swelling of the mediastinal lymph nodes and interstitial pneumonia. The examination of a specimen of the axillary lymph node obtained by biopsy was compatible with KFD. English language reports on KFD were reviewed. Fourteen (14/335: 4.2%) cases in children under six years in addition to the current case and 321 (321/335: 95.8%) cases of school-age children (6-20 years) were found in the literature. Children of school age tend to more commonly be afflicted with KFD, which is characterized by pyrexia, leukopenia, and cervical lymphadenopathy with tenderness. Inversely, major symptoms of KFD patients under six years old were lesions of the lungs in three cases, leukocytosis in six cases, and generalized lymphadenopathy in eight cases, in contrast with symptoms of school-age children. It is concluded that leukocytosis, generalized lymphadenopathy in sites other than the cervical lymph nodes, and lesions of the lungs are characteristic symptoms of severe KFD in patients under six years old, for whom the occurrence is very rare.

Low serum alkaline phosphatase activity in Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease

Various laboratory findings are helpful in making a diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD); however, they are not specific. We found decreased serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) activity in children with KFD. The levels of SAP fell in the acute phase and recovered during convalescence. We conclude that low SAP activity is a characteristic of KFD and may be an auxiliary diagnostic marker for the disease.