Clinical Study of Subacute Necrotizing Lymphadenitis

Background and Objectives: Kikuchi's disease or subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis is a cause of persistently enlarged lymph nodes unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. It affects predominantly young women under the age of 30, and it is seen primarily in the Asian population. Although this disease usually follows a benign course, all describing a clinical entity that has been mistaken for malignant lymphoma, lupus, and an assortment of infectious diseases. The purpose of this study is to report clinical characteristics and treatment outcome in order to contribute to the precise diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 27 cases, who were diagnosed as subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis on excisional biopsy during the past 5 years from January 1998 to December 2002. Results: It occurred more often in females (20 cases ; 74%) than males (7cases ; 26%), and it was seen more frequently in the second and third decades (21 cases ; 78%). Cervical lymphadenopathy were usually multiple (24 cases, 89%) and measured less than 2cm (20 cases, 74%). The posterior cervical and deep jugular chains are the most common location(34 cases ; 81%). Leukopenia(18 cases, 67%) and elevated ESR(20 cases, 75%) were commonly noted in laboratory data. Conclusions: It is easy that Kikuchi's disease is mistaken for malignant lymphoma. So we should consider fine needle aspiration or open biosy of lymph node for histologic diagnosis in patients who have localized cervical lymphadenopathy unresponsive to antibiotic therapy.

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