A retrospective study of 134 patients with cervical region Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease

BACKGROUND: To explore the clinical and laboratory features, therapy and prognosis of Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease (KFD) in the cervical region. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 134 patients who were diagnosed and treated with KFD from January 2000 to May 2022 in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital (Fujian, China). Their clinical characteristics, affected lymph node size, imaging examinations, and laboratory study results were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 24.9 years, and the male–female ratio was 1:1.73. Fever (55.2%, n = 74) was the most common clinical manifestation. Leukopenia (49.3%) was the commonest reported laboratory abnormality. A majority (65.7%) of the 134 patients presented with bilateral nodal involvement. CONCLUSION: KFD should be considered as a possible diagnosis in a female patient under the age of 30 presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy, fever, leukopenia, and elevated LDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4.