Successful Management of Refractory Kimura Disease with CVP Chemotherapy: A Case Report

BACKGROUND Kimura disease is a rare, chronic inflammatory disorder typically presenting as a painless mass in the head or neck and associated with elevated serum immunoglobulin E and blood and tissue eosinophilia. Generally benign, its management is not well-defined, but corticosteroids are a common initial treatment. We detail a case of refractory Kimura disease successfully managed with CVP (Cyclophosphamide, Vincristine, Prednisone) chemotherapy and no recurrence during 6 rounds of treatment. CASE REPORT A 64-year-old woman, previously diagnosed with Kimura disease, returned to the hospital with upper eyelid ptosis. Upon examination, a solid mass was palpable in her left upper eyelid. Peripheral blood tests confirmed elevated IgE levels at 356.0 IU/ml. An excisional biopsy showed infiltration of lymphocytes and eosinophils, consistent with Kimura disease. Despite undergoing corticosteroid treatment, surgical debulking, radiation, and immunosuppressant therapy, her condition worsened. Concerns were raised due to imaging features suggestive of lymphoma, although no malignancy was evident in subsequent biopsies. It was decided to manage the disease using CVP chemotherapy, leading to significant symptom improvement. There have been no recurrences during the 12-month follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Kimura disease is typically benign and responsive to treatment, but it often recurs and can progress. When symptoms are not controlled with conventional treatments, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, radiation, and surgical debulking, chemotherapy may be a reasonable option even when no definite signs of malignancy is identified. Further research is needed to explore the utility of CHOP and CVP in managing uncontrolled Kimura disease.