Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a two-case series of necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis mimicking other pathologies: a care compliant case report

Abstract

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, and self-limiting cause of cervical lymphadenitis. It is often misdiagnosed as tuberculosis or lymphoma. A histopathological examination is crucial for a definitive diagnosis.  We report two female patients with cervical lymphadenopathy. Case 1: A 67-year-old woman had a 3-week history of painful swelling in her right neck. Imaging and FNAC did not provide clear results. An excision biopsy showed necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenitis. Case 2: A 29-year-old woman had a 1-month history of painless swelling in her right neck and evening fever. Histopathology after an excision biopsy confirmed KFD. Both patients received conservative management with symptom relief and showed complete recovery.  KFD should be included in the differential diagnosis of persistent cervical lymphadenopathy, especially in women, to prevent unnecessary treatment with antibiotics or cancer therapies.