Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: An Experience from a Tertiary Care Center in South India

Introduction: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis is a benign, usually self-limiting condition, that usually affects females under the age of 30 years. The etiology remains unknown. Methods: Analysis of all cases of KFD diagnosed at our center from January 2019 to March 2021 was carried out. A total of seven cases with KFD were included in the study. The clinical and laboratory parameters, associated comorbidities, and treatment outcomes were studied and analyzed in detail. Results: The mean age of presentation was 11 years with a female predominance. Fever and lymphadenopathy were noted in the majority; while weight loss and fatigue were noted in 5/7. One patient had a recurrence of KFD, whereas two sisters presented with familial KFD. Most patients had leukopenia and raised ESR at presentation. ANA was positive in 5/7 (71%) of patients, of which two had systemic lupus erythematous at presentation. Steroids were used in all except one patient. Conclusion: We hereby report our experience in the diagnosis and management of KFD and re-emphasize that KFD must be considered as a possibility in febrile children with lymphadenopathy.