Case Series: raising awareness about Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease among otolaryngologists: is it linked to systemic lupus erythematosus?
Pace-Asciak, P.; Black, M.Ann.; Michel, R.P.; Kost, K.
Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery 37(6): 782-787
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 1916-0216 PMID: 19128704 Document Number: 619798
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, benign, self-limiting condition occasionally associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although rising in incidence, nonspecific symptoms make diagnosis difficult. We present a small case series and review the literature to increase awareness of this condition among otolaryngologists. Nine cases of KFD were diagnosed between 2003 and 2006 at the McGill University Health Care institution by either excisional or fine-needle biopsy. Clinical and histologic features were reviewed in the context of a comprehensive analysis of the KFD literature. Seven of nine cases are female, with a mean age of 27.2 years (range 18-35 years). Only one patient had systemic SLE predating KFD. Our results are comparable to those in the current literature regarding the association with SLE. We present the first Canadian small case series and extensive review of the literature to highlight the clinical and pathologic features of this disease and its association with SLE.