Life-Threatening Presentation of Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in a 5-month-old infant

Abstract

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare inflammatory disorder affecting both children and adults all over the world with a higher prevalence among Asiatic populations. It is characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy, often associated with fever and night sweats. We report a case of a Tunisian infant presented with fever and multiple cervical lymphadenopathies complicated with subcutaneous infiltration and edema. The biological tests showed pancytopenia. Within 48 hours, the patient showed signs of respiratory distress due to tracheal compression. He was admitted in a pediatric intensive care unit and required assisted ventilation. Histopathological examination allowed the diagnosis of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Clinical remission was achieved within two weeks.