Korean J Med.  2015 Aug;89(2):220-224. 10.3904/kjm.2015.89.2.220.

A Case of Kikuchi Disease Involving an Intrapulmonary Lymph Node Mistaken for a Pulmonary Nodule

• Kim JS
• Shin DY
• Kim CH
• Kim EK
• Shin K
• Kang MC
• Lee SS

• KMID: 2269033
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2015.89.2.220

Abstract

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is an uncommon idiopathic, self-limiting disease characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy. Patients with KFD may present with a wide variety of nonspecific symptoms, including fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Although KFD can affect all lymph nodes of the body, involvement of the intrathoracic lymph nodes is relatively rare. In particular, isolated involvement of the intrapulmonary lymph nodes is extremely unusual. We herein report a case involving a 45-year-old man who presented with symptoms of myalgia, fatigue, and fever. Computed tomography performed during follow-up showed a slowly growing nodule in the upper lobe of the left lung. Results of laboratory tests did not reveal any evidence of infection or autoimmune disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus. Results of excisional biopsy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed KFD in an intrapulmonary lymph node. His symptoms improved after a trial of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Keyword

Kikuchi disease; Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease; Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis; Solitary pulmonary nodule

MeSH Terms

Autoimmune Diseases
Biopsy
Fatigue
Fever
Follow-Up Studies
Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis*
Humans
Lung
Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic
Lymph Nodes*
Lymphatic Diseases
Middle Aged
Myalgia
Solitary Pulmonary Nodule
Sweat
Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted
Weight Loss