[Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease and connective tissue disease: a report of three cases]

Abstract

Introduction: Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, clinicopathological entity of unknown aetiology, is a rare and benign cause of cervical lymphadenopathies. It can be associated with various auto-immune diseases especially systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) or with some infectious agents.

Exegesis: This report describes a survey of three patients who developed Kikuchi's lymphadenitis occurring concomitantly with connective tissue disease: LES in two cases and non determined connective tissue disease in the other case. Comparing the clinical, histopathological and evolutionary findings to the literature allows to identify the main features of this self-limiting disorder: occurrence in young women; clinical presentation with cervical lymphadenopathy in a context of fever and asthenia. The definite diagnosis is usually made through histopathological examination of a lymph node biopsy. Disease course is generally favourable with spontaneous resolution within few weeks. It may be improved with corticosteroid treatment in patients with systemic involvement. Prognosis is related to the associated disease.

Conclusion: Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease is a rare and benign cause of cervical lymphadenopathy that could resemble lymphoma, tuberculosis and may be associated with a characterized systemic disease.