Kikuchi disease is a rare, benign condition of unknown cause usually characterized by painful lymph node swelling. In medical term, it is called histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis. Pathology of the involved lymph nodes helps to differentiate Kikuchi disease from several more serious mimicking conditions, such as lymphoma, tuberculosis, or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which should not be missed.
Symptoms of Kikuchi Disease (Histiocytic Necrotizing Lympadenitis)
The most common clinical presentation is fever and painful lymph node swelling in a previously healthy child.
- Painful lymph node swelling
- Fever
- Rash
- Arthralgia
- Fatigue
What Causes Kikuchi Disease (Histiocytic Necrotizing Lympadenitis)?
Pathogenesis of Kikuchi disease is unknown.
Numerous contributing agents have been proposed, including Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, human herpesvirus 8, parvovirus B19, parainfluenza virus etc., but not yet proven.