A Case of Kikuchi Disease Involving an Intrapulmonary Lymph Node Mistaken for a Pulmonary Nodule / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also known as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is an uncommon idiopathic, self-limiting disease characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy. Patients with KFD may present with a wide variety of nonspecific symptoms, including fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Although KFD can affect all lymph nodes of the body, involvement of the intrathoracic lymph nodes is relatively rare. In particular, isolated involvement of the intrapulmonary lymph nodes is extremely unusual. We herein report a case involving a 45-year-old man who presented with symptoms of myalgia, fatigue, and fever. Computed tomography performed during follow-up showed a slowly growing nodule in the upper lobe of the left lung. Results of laboratory tests did not reveal any evidence of infection or autoimmune disease, including systemic lupus erythematosus. Results of excisional biopsy by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery revealed KFD in an intrapulmonary lymph node. His symptoms improved after a trial of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.