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Kikuchi disease
Other Names for this Disease
- Histiocytic necrotising lymphadenitis
- Kikuchi necrotizing lymphadenitis
- Kikuchi's disease
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease
- Nosocomial Kikuchi's disease
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Overview
Kikuchi disease is a benign (non-cancerous), acute disorder of the lymph nodes that is usually seen in younger women. It is characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy (tender, swollen lymph nodes), mild fever, and night sweats. Less frequent symptoms include weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and sore throat.[1] While the exact cause of this condition is unknown, infectious and autoimmune causes have been proposed.[2] Treatment is symptomatic and supportive and may include pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS) drugs and, rarely, corticosteroids. Most cases resolve spontaneously within 1 to 6 months.[1][2]
References
- Bosch X & Guilabert A. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Orphanet. http://www.ojrd.com/content/1/1/18 . Accessed April 6, 2011.
- Boone J, Kuzma CS. Kikuchi Disease. eMedicine. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/210752-overview. Accessed April 6, 2011.
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General Information
- Medscape Reference has 2 articles on this topic from the perspective of Hematology and Dermatology. You may need to register to view the information online, but registration is free.
- The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) is a federation of more than 130 nonprofit voluntary health organizations serving people with rare disorders. Click on the link to view information on this topic.
- Orphanet is a European reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is free of charge. Click on the link to read information on this topic.
- PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Kikuchi disease. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.