A case of systemic lupus erythematosus associated with Kikuchi's disease / 대한내과학회지

Initially described in young Japanese women, Kikuchi's disease predominantly produces histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis of the cervical lymph nodes along with fever; it always follows a benign course with excellent outcomes. Kikuchi's disease is rarely associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, the microscopic features of Kikuchi's disease can be similar to lupus lymphadenitis. Patients with Kikuchi's disease should be assessed for SLE and have long-term follow-up evaluations for the development of SLE. We present a 21-year-old woman with tender multiple cervical lymphadenopathy and the clinical manifestations of SLE.