Paediatric Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a benign cause of fever and lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare and benign disease that typically affects the cervical lymph nodes. Its aetiology is unknown and a role of the autoimmune system in the pathogenesis is hypothesized. This self-limiting disease is often confused with malignancies. No specific management is generally required but long-term follow-up should be planned despite the low risk of recurrence, as recurrences have been described many years after the first episode and there is a high risk of development of an autoimmune disease or even lymphoma. We review the clinical and histological features of KFD and report an unusual case presenting with cervical and supraclavicular lymphadenopathy, and persistent fever.