Vizag man with rare Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease treated at KIMS

A 32-year-old man from Visakhapatnam, has been diagnosed with the rare Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease at KIMS Hospitals, Seethammadhara after nearly six years of recurrent lymph nodes swelling and repeatedly being treated for suspected tuberculosis. Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease is a rare inflammatory disorder of the lymph nodes that can closely mimic tuberculosis and lymphoma. Dr Konathala Surendra, consultant pulmonologist at KIMS Hospitals said: “The patient first presented in 2020 with fever, swelling in the neck and axillary (armpit) regions, and a low white blood cell count. His fever persisted, despite four weeks of treatment, and he later developed oral ulcers and further abnormalities in his blood count. Repeated microbiological investigations for tuberculosis were negative, prompting a reassessment of the diagnosis and treatment.”

In 2022, the patient experienced another episode of lymph node swelling and was once again treated for tuberculosis. In 2026, he visited KIMS Hospitals, Seethammadhara, with painful swelling in the right axilla (armpit). Given his prolonged history and recurrent symptoms, the medical team carried out extensive evaluation to rule out tuberculosis, other infections and lymphoma. A detailed assessment, including lymph node biopsy, blood investigations and immunological tests, eventually confirmed Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease. “This case highlights the need to look beyond tuberculosis when lymph node swelling recurs despite repeated negative microbiological investigations and poor response to treatment. A diagnosis should not be based on a single finding such as granulomatous changes. Histopathology needs to be interpreted alongside microbiological, immunological and clinical findings,” said Dr. Konathala Surendra. The patient has completed treatment and was discharged in a stable condition.