Why in News?
A 32-year-old man from Visakhapatnam was diagnosed with the rare Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) at KIMS Hospitals after suffering from recurrent lymph node swelling for nearly six years. The condition had earlier been treated as suspected tuberculosis.
Key Highlights
- The patient had recurrent lymph node swelling for nearly six years and was repeatedly treated for suspected tuberculosis.
- Tests for tuberculosis were repeatedly negative.
- A lymph node biopsy and other investigations confirmed Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD).
- KFD is a rare inflammatory disorder of lymph nodes that can resemble tuberculosis and lymphoma.
About Kikuchi–Fujimoto Disease
- KFD is also known as histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis.
- It commonly causes swollen lymph nodes, fever and fatigue, especially in the neck.
- Its exact cause is not known, though viral infections and autoimmune mechanisms are considered possible triggers.
- The disease is generally self-limiting and treatment mainly focuses on relieving symptoms.
Significance
The case highlights the need for proper diagnosis of recurrent lymph node swelling, particularly when tuberculosis tests are repeatedly negative and the patient does not respond to treatment.