[Kikuchi's disease. Apropos of a case. Review of the literature].

Kikuchi's disease is rare necrotic histiocytosis of the lymph nodes. Since the first description in Japan in 1972 by Kikuchi, several cases have been reported. The disease occurs most frequently in young women. Manifestations include enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes, sometimes with fever, and often associated with other non-specific clinical signs. Blood chemistry, including immunologic tests, are often normal but neutropenia and raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate have been reported. Diagnosis relies on the histological examination of lymph node biopsies. Generally the clinical course is favourable in 3-4 months. Secondary systemic lupus erythomatosus may develop and require regular follow-up. The aetiology of this rare disease is still unclear although certain observations would favour an immunological process. Very rare in France, we report a case of Kikuchi's disease in a pregnant woman and present a review of the literature.