Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Latest News

A 32-year-old man from Visakhapatnam, who had recurrent lymph node swelling for nearly six years and was repeatedly treated for suspected tuberculosis, has finally been diagnosed with rare Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease recently.

About Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease

• Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenopathy, is a rare inflammatory disorder of the lymph nodes. 
• It causes swollen, painful lymph nodes that most often develop in your neck (cervical lymphadenopathy), along with fever and fatigue.   
• It most often affects people aged 30 and under.  
• It can closely mimic tuberculosis and lymphoma.  

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Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Causes

The cause of KFD remains unclear, but both viral infections and autoimmune mechanisms have been suggested as potential triggers. 

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Symptoms

• KFD symptoms typically develop over several weeks and include:
  • Swollen and painful lymph nodes that usually affect one side of your neck, but can also develop in other areas
  • Low-grade fever 
  • Fatigue 
  • Headache
  • Sore throat and cough
  • Skin rash
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Night sweats
  • Losing weight without trying
• Usually, this disease does not cause severe problems and gets better on its own. 
• However, in some people, it can be associated with autoimmune disorders, conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s cells and tissues. 

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease Treatment

• There isn’t a specific cure, but your healthcare provider may recommend treatment to relieve symptoms, including:
  • NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), for fever, pain, and headache.
  • Corticosteroids may be used in severe cases to reduce swelling in lymph nodes.

News: TOI