Kikuchi–Fujimoto Disease Presenting With Mesenteric Lymphadenopathy and Partial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a Young Black Man

Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, self-limited inflammatory condition that typically presents with cervical lymphadenopathy and constitutional symptoms, classically described in young Asian women. We report an atypical presentation in an 18-year-old Black man with weight loss, fevers, and isolated mesenteric lymphadenopathy, ultimately diagnosed with KFD by excisional biopsy. His presentation was also notable for mild secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). This case highlights an association between isolated mesenteric KFD and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, suggesting a spectrum of disease that links these syndromes.