Kikuchi - Fujimoto Disease Presenting with Abnormal Liver Function Test Results: Case Report

Abstract

Kikuchi - Fujimoto disease (KFD) also called histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, characterized by lymphadenopathy (0.5-4 cm) and pain for 1-3 weeks. It mainly occurs in the posterior cervical triangle of the neck. The cause of KFD is unknown. Although viral or autoimmune causes have been suggested, none have been confirmed. Accurate differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions such Kawasaki disease, tuberculosis, lymphoma or infectious mononucleosis must be performed. Thus, histological analysis is essential to accurately diagnose KFD. Although an increase in liver enzyme levels is rarely associated with KFD, it has been associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, which in turn is typically associated with abnormal liver function test results. Here, we report a case of KFD with elevated liver enzyme levels, and positive antinuclear antibody results in an 11-year-old girl with a 1-month history of a palpable lump on the left side of the neck.