Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: a rare cause of cervical lymphadenopathy and fever

A 28-year-old Pakistani man with previously treated latent tuberculosis (TB) presented with a 3-month history of productive cough, fever, drenching night sweats, anorexia, sore throat and tender left cervical lymphadenopathy. Extensive biochemical and microbiological tests, and imaging studies were all inconclusive. Lymph node biopsy revealed the diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD). He had persistent fever and anorexia during admission despite supportive measures which resolved quickly on starting prednisolone. He remained well after being weaned off steroids on 18 weeks' follow-up. KFD is a rare, self-limiting disease which can mimic several serious conditions such as TB and lymphoma. Prompt diagnosis with lymph node biopsy is paramount in addressing diagnostic uncertainty and avoids starting potentially toxic treatment on these patients.

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