How is Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease diagnosed?

Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease, also known as Kikuchi's disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare, benign condition characterized by swollen lymph nodes and fever. It primarily affects young adults, especially women, and is more common in certain ethnic groups such as Asians.

Diagnosing Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease can be challenging as its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, including lymphoma and infectious diseases like tuberculosis or systemic lupus erythematosus. Therefore, a comprehensive diagnostic approach is necessary to rule out other potential causes.

Medical History and Physical Examination: The diagnostic process typically begins with a thorough medical history review and physical examination. The doctor will inquire about the patient's symptoms, their duration, and any associated factors. They will also examine the lymph nodes for tenderness, size, and consistency.

Blood Tests: Blood tests are commonly performed to assess the patient's overall health and to rule out other conditions. These tests may include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This test evaluates the levels of different blood cells and can help identify any abnormalities.


• Liver and Kidney Function Tests: These tests assess the functioning of the liver and kidneys, which can provide valuable information about the patient's overall health.


• Inflammatory Markers: Blood tests such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body.


• Autoimmune Markers: Certain autoimmune markers, such as antinuclear antibodies (ANA), may be tested to rule out autoimmune diseases.

Imaging Studies: Imaging techniques may be employed to visualize the lymph nodes and other affected areas. These can include:

• Ultrasound: Ultrasound uses sound waves to create images of the lymph nodes, helping to determine their size, shape, and internal characteristics.


• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the body, aiding in the evaluation of lymph node enlargement and potential organ involvement.


• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images, which can help assess lymph node abnormalities.

Lymph Node Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease often requires a lymph node biopsy. During this procedure, a small sample of the affected lymph node is surgically removed and examined under a microscope. The characteristic findings of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease include the presence of histiocytes (immune cells) and necrosis (cell death) within the lymph node.

Additional Tests: In some cases, additional tests may be performed to exclude other potential causes or to assess specific symptoms. These can include:

• Flow Cytometry: Flow cytometry is a technique used to analyze the characteristics of cells, helping to differentiate between benign and malignant conditions.


• PCR Testing: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing can detect the presence of specific viral or bacterial DNA, aiding in the diagnosis of infectious causes.


• Immunohistochemistry: Immunohistochemistry involves staining the biopsy sample with specific antibodies to identify certain proteins or markers, assisting in the diagnosis.

It is important to note that the diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease is typically made by a healthcare professional, such as a physician or pathologist, based on a combination of clinical findings, laboratory tests, and histopathological examination.