A Kikuchi-Fujimoto syndrome in the pocket of a non-Hodgkin lymphoma: case report with a mini-review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is a rare, benign necrotizing lymphadenitis primarily affecting young women.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 26-year-old female patient with no notable medical history, who developed a persistent right-sided lateral cervical lymphadenopathy over a 2-month period. Following a comprehensive clinical, laboratory, radiological, and histopathological evaluation, a diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease was confirmed. Given the rarity of this condition, clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion to avoid misdiagnosis or delayed recognition.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is rare. It presents as febrile cervical lymphadenopathy and may be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Often mistaken for conditions such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma, its diagnosis relies on histopathological examination. Lymph node biopsy is crucial to prevent unnecessary investigations. The prognosis is generally favorable, with treatment commonly involving corticosteroids.

CONCLUSION

While the prognosis for KFD is generally favorable, around 30% of sufferers may go on to develop systemic lupus erythematosus, underlining the need for ongoing monitoring of autoimmune markers.