Clinicopathological Characteristics of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: A Retrospective Case Series from Pakistan

Background Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis, is a rare, benign, and usually self-limiting condition that commonly presents with cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, and constitutional symptoms. It is most often reported in young Asian adults. Its aetiology remains unclear, and histopathological examination is essential to confirm the diagnosis and exclude important mimics such as lymphoma and lupus lymphadenitis. Methods This retrospective case series included 10 patients with histopathologically confirmed KFD who were diagnosed and managed at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre between January 2000 and January 2024. Clinical, pathological, and laboratory data were collected and analysed. Results Among the 10 patients, the mean age was 26.3 ± 7 years. Eight were female patients, and two were male patients, resulting in a female-to-male ratio of 4:1. Cervical lymphadenopathy was the most common presentation. Fever was reported in six patients (60%), while weight loss and myalgia/arthralgia were each reported in two patients (20%). Two patients had lymphoid malignancies in remission. No autoimmune diseases were documented, although antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing was not performed routinely. Conclusion This case series highlights the varied clinical presentation of KFD and reinforces the importance of histopathological diagnosis in patients presenting with lymphadenopathy. Larger prospective studies are needed to better understand its associations and outcomes.