Kikuchi Disease: Masquerading as Tubercular Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease, also known as “histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis,” is a rare, benign disease that commonly affects young females. Patient usually presents with swollen lymph nodes in neck (cervical lymphadenopathy), fever, night sweats, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting. Due to the similar symptomatology, the disease is often confused with tuberculosis and lymphomas. The exact cause remains unknown with no evidence of inheritance. The diagnosis is confirmed by histopathologic examination of lymph node biopsy, which reveals necrosis (that varies considerably from one case to another), histiocytes (contains phagocytosed debris), crescentic nuclei, karyorrhexis, and plasmacytoid monocytes. The disease is self-remitting within 1 to 4 months. However, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), oral corticosteroids, and hydroxychloroquine may be used for symptomatic relief.