Recurrent Aseptic Meningitis Associated with Kikuchi's Disease (Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis): A Case Report and Literature Review

Intern Med. 2021 Jun 1;60(11):1779-1784. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6494-20. Epub 2021 Jan 8.

Abstract

We herein report a 31-year-old man with recurrent aseptic meningitis associated with Kikuchi's disease. Although aseptic meningitis is the most common neurological complication of Kikuchi's disease, its characteristics remain unclear, especially in recurrent cases. A literature review revealed that aseptic meningitis associated with Kikuchi's disease was more likely to occur in men and was associated with a low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum glucose ratio. Lymphadenopathy tended to occur simultaneously or after the onset of meningitis. When encountering a patient with aseptic meningitis of unknown etiology, it may be worthwhile to focus on the CSF/serum glucose ratio and lymphadenopathy with a careful examination.

Keywords: Kikuchi's disease; aseptic meningitis; cerebrospinal fluid; histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis; lymphadenopathy; recurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Central Nervous System Infections*
  • Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis* / complications
  • Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis* / diagnosis
  • Humans
  • Lymphadenitis*
  • Lymphadenopathy*
  • Male
  • Meningitis, Aseptic* / diagnosis