Kikuchi disease
Kikuchi's disease (histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis) is a rare, non-cancerous enlargement of the lymph nodes: the diagnosis can be confirmed by lymph node biopsy. It was originally described in Japan by Dr M. Kikuchi in 1972.[1]
Kikuchi's disease is a self limiting illness which has very similar symptoms to Hodgkin's lymphoma. This has led to misdiagnosis to some patients and also resulting in dangerous cancer treatment to those suffering from Kikuchi's disease.
The symptoms of Kikuchi's are the following:
- Lymphadenopathy
- Drenching night sweats
- Fever
- Bone-joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- General weakness
- Fatigue
- Mental unfocus
The cause for this disease has not been established, and there is also no cure. Kikuchi's patients are able to treat some symptoms and wait weeks to months before the symptoms of Kikuchi's has been suppressed. In most reported cases, it is common for the debilitating symptoms to last for half a year; however, the disease does return to some patients after time.
Kikuchi's disease has been reported to be associated with infections of Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, toxoplasmosis, and Human T-lymphotropic virus 1.
For other causes of lymph node enlargement see lymphadenopathy.
References
- ↑ Kikuchi M. Lymphadenitis showing focal reticulum cell hyperplasia with nuclear debris and phagocytes. Acta Hematol Jpn 1972;35:379–80.