Information on Kikuchi Disease

Published: 24th September 2008
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Kikuchi disease is rare condition. Kikuchi's disease, also called as histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenopathy. Kikuchi's illness is an infection or autoimmune disorder. It affects people of all national backgrounds, although it seems to influence women about 3 times more frequent than men. Kikuchi disease has been reported throughout the world and in all races. Only remote cases are reported in Europe. Kikuchi's disease is a self limiting illness which has very likely symptoms to Hodgkin's lymphoma. Kikuchi disease occurs in a broad age range, but generally affects young adults.



Kikuchi disease is frequent mistaken for malignant lymphoma, especially cervical adenopathy because the symptoms are very similar. Kikuchi disease usually takes the type of lymph node inflammation. The lymph nodes on one or both sides of the neck are usually affected. Most of the time these are the only lymph nodes affected. The lymph nodes are painless, hard, and around 2-3 cm in diameter. A fever and flu-like symptoms develop. In up to 30% of individuals, a red rash may seem. Kikuchi disease can also imitate Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE).



Both can near with lymphadenopathy and fever, and the cutaneous findings seen in 30% of Kikuchi disease patients can look like those seen in SLE. In Kikuchi disease, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF), and lupus erythematosus (LE) preparations are usually, although not always, negative. Kikuchi disease and SLE can also have similar histopathologic appearances. Kikuchi disease is recommended by the absence or lack of the hematoxylin bodies, plasma cells, and neutrophils usually seen in SLE. Additionally, T lymphocytes predominate in Kikuchi disease, whereas B lymphocytes predominate in SLE.



Kikuchi's disease has been information to be related with infections of Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, toxoplasmosis, and Human T-lymphotropic virus 1. Treatment of Kikuchi disease is usually helpful. The aims of pharmacotherapy are to decrease morbidity and to prevent complications. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be employed to improve lymph node tenderness and fever. The use of corticosteroids, such as prednisone, has been recommended in severe more nodal or generalized Kikuchi disease. Kikuchi disease will resolve on its own usually within 1-6 months. Antibiotics are not required.



Juliet Cohen writes articles for skin care tips. She also writes articles for haircut styles.

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