Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease: report of familial occurrence in two human leucocyte antigen-identical non-twin sisters

J Intern Med. 2002 Jul;252(1):79-83. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2796.2002.01004.x.

Abstract

Kikuchi-Fujimoto's disease (KFD) is a self-limiting condition usually presenting as cervical lymphadenopathy, with fever and leukopenia, in young adult females. No specific aetiology has been identified yet, although some authors believe that KFD is a 'forme fruste' of systemic lupus erythematosus. Certain human leucocyte antigen (HLA) types have also been associated with KFD. We herein report KFD in two non-twin sisters with HLA-identical phenotype, who presented 10 years apart. Neither patient had evidence of recent infection or connective tissue disease. The familial occurrence emphasizes the possibility of genetic predisposition and calls for a more extensive search for a specific cause of KFD.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • HLA Antigens / genetics*
  • Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis / genetics*
  • Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis / pathology
  • Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis / surgery
  • Humans
  • Nuclear Family*
  • Phenotype

Substances

  • HLA Antigens