Overview
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also called Kikuchi disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare, self-limiting condition that mainly affects the lymph nodes — the small glands that are part of your immune system. It was first described in Japan in 1972. The disease causes the lymph nodes, especially those in the neck, to become swollen and tender. Doctors believe it happens when the immune system overreacts, possibly triggered by a viral infection or an autoimmune process, though the exact cause is still not fully understood. The most common symptoms are swollen and painful lymph nodes in the neck, fever, and fatigue. Some people also develop a skin rash, night sweats, or weight loss. The condition most often affects young adults, particularly women, and is more commonly reported in people of Asian descent. Because its symptoms look similar to lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) and other serious conditions, getting the right diagnosis can take time and usually requires a lymph node biopsy. The good news is that Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease almost always goes away on its own within one to four months. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, such as using pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medicines. In more severe cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone. Serious complications are rare, but the disease can occasionally come back, and a small number of patients may later develop lupus (an autoimmune disease), so follow-up care is important.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Swollen, tender lymph nodes, most often in the neckFever, sometimes highFatigue and low energySkin rash (usually red or pink spots)Night sweatsUnintentional weight lossHeadacheSore throatJoint pain or achesNauseaEnlarged lymph nodes in the armpits or groin (less common)
Clinical phenotype terms (50)— hover any for plain English
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.
View clinical trials →Clinical Trials
View all trials with filters →No actively recruiting trials found for Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease at this time.
New trials open frequently. Follow this disease to get notified.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease
No recent news articles for Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease.
Follow this condition to be notified when news becomes available.
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How certain are you that this is Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, and has lymphoma been fully ruled out?,Do I need a lymph node biopsy, and what will that procedure involve?,What symptoms should prompt me to go to the emergency room or call you right away?,Is there a risk that I could develop lupus, and how will you monitor me for that?,How long do you expect my symptoms to last, and when can I return to work or school?,Is there any treatment that will help me feel better faster, or should I just wait for it to resolve?,How often should I have follow-up appointments after I recover?
Common questions about Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease
What is Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease?
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), also called Kikuchi disease or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare, self-limiting condition that mainly affects the lymph nodes — the small glands that are part of your immune system. It was first described in Japan in 1972. The disease causes the lymph nodes, especially those in the neck, to become swollen and tender. Doctors believe it happens when the immune system overreacts, possibly triggered by a viral infection or an autoimmune process, though the exact cause is still not fully understood. The most common symptoms are swollen and painful ly
How is Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease inherited?
Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
At what age does Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease typically begin?
Typical onset of Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease?
16 specialists and care centers treating Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.