Recurrent Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease during pregnancy: report of case evolving into systemic lupus erythematosus and review of published work

J Obstet Gynaecol Res. 2008 Aug;34(4 Pt 2):595-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.2008.00727.x.

Abstract

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a distinctive, benign type of necrotizing lymphadenitis. KFD is a rare entity, especially during pregnancy. Although first described in Japan, subsequently it has been reported in the West. We communicate herein a case of KFD in African women with bouts during pregnancy. Diagnosis was difficult because peripheral enlarged lymph nodes were absent and an extended differential diagnosis and adequate work-up was necessary. The patient suffered a miscarriage coinciding with a KFD bout. Further pregnancies were uneventful. Follow up showed that KFD evolved into a systemic lupus erythematosus-like syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis / complications
  • Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / etiology*
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology
  • Recurrence