with Hodgkin's lymphoma leading to misdiagnosis in some patients. Antinuclear antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-dsDNA, and rheumatoid factor are usually negative, and may help in differentiation from systemic lupus erythematosus. Differential diagnosis The differential diagnosis of Kikuchi disease includes systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), disseminated tuberculosis, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, and viral lymphadenitis. Clinical findings sometimes may include positive results for IgM/IgG/IgA antibodies. For other causes of lymph node enlargement, see lymphadenopathy. Management No specific cure is known. Treatment is largely supportive. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are indicated for tender lymph nodes and fever, and corticosteroids are useful in severe extranodal or generalized disease. Symptomatic measures aimed at relieving the distressing local and systemic complaints have been described as the main line of management of KFD. Analgesics, antipyretics, NSAIDs, and corticosteroids have been used. If the clinical course is more severe, with multiple flares of bulky enlarged cervical lymph nodes and fever, then a low-dose corticosteroid treatment has been suggested. Epidemiology Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a rare, self-limiting disorder that typically affects the cervical lymph nodes. Recognition of this condition is crucial, especially because it can easily be mistaken for tuberculosis, lymphoma, or even adenocarcinoma. Awareness of this disorder helps prevent misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment. Kikuchi's disease is a very rare disease mainly seen in Japan. Isolated cases are reported in North America, Europe, Asia, England, and at least two cases in New Zealand. It is possible that the prevalence of KFD is greater than is reported given lymphadenopathy can be overlooked and the disease's self-limiting nature. That a definite identification of KFD can only be done via a biopsy of affected tissues further suggests that cases go unrecognized or undiagnosed. It is mainly a disease of young adults (20–30 years), with a slight bias towards females. The cause of this disease is not known, although infectious and autoimmune causes have been proposed. The course of the disease is generally benign and self-limiting. Lymph node enlargement usually resolves over several weeks to six months. The recurrence rate is about 3%. Death from Kikuchi disease is extremely rare and usually occurs due to liver, respiratory, or heart failure. See also Cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasia References External links Histopathology Lymphatic organ diseases Lymphoid-related cutaneous conditions Rare diseases