Kikuchi's disease accompanied by lupus-like butterfly rash

• Published in: Journal of rheumatology Vol. 30; no. 4; p. 857
• Main Authors: Okuzawa, Chie, Kuroiwa, Takashi, Kaneko, Yoriaki, Ueki, Kazue, Tsukada, Yoshito, Nojima, Yoshihisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada 01.04.2003
• Subjects: Adolescent; Diagnosis, Differential; Exanthema - diagnosis; Female; Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis - pathology; Humans; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic - diagnosis; Lymph Nodes - pathology
• ISSN: 0315-162X

Kikuchi's disease (KD) is a benign and self-limiting lymphadenitis, particularly affecting young women. KD is often associated with fever, arthralgia, and leukopenia, features also found in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Lymphadenitis associated with SLE is indistinguishable from that in KD, and the association of KD and SLE has been previously reported. We describe a case of KD who developed a typical butterfly rash, reminiscent of SLE. However, histological and laboratory findings excluded the diagnosis of SLE. This case emphasizes that careful differential diagnosis between KD and SLE is required.