# A Case Report of Lupus Cerebritis in a Female With Preceding Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease

**Authors:** Hussein A Al Barazanjy, Ali R Alabdullah, Azhar Shabbir, Mohammed Q Raheemah AlMalchi, Ameer F Hussein

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.82594 · 2025-04-19

## TL;DR

This case report describes a rare instance where a woman had Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease followed by lupus cerebritis, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis to avoid ineffective treatment.

## Contribution

The report adds to the understanding of the rare association between Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease and lupus cerebritis in a single patient.

## Key findings

- Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease can precede lupus cerebritis in a patient.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to avoid ineffective treatment and mismanagement.
- Long-term monitoring is necessary for early detection of serious conditions.

## Abstract

A rare, benign, self-limiting illness known as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is characterized by fever and lymphadenopathy in young females. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), on the other hand, is a fairly prevalent autoimmune disease. Kikuchi disease is sometimes associated with SLE, with which it may coexist. To validate the diagnosis, the presence of necrotizing lymphadenitis is considered to be of significance. A positive anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) suggests a potential association with SLE or a relapse of the underlying condition. To avoid incorrect diagnosis and ineffective therapy, this clinical presentation requires a comprehensive evaluation. Steroids and immunological therapy are used to treat Kikuchi illness, which is a persistent and recurrent condition that usually requires supportive care. Early diagnosis of ominous disorders requires long-term surveillance.

## Linked entities

- **Diseases:** Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (MONDO:0018864), Systemic lupus erythematosus (MONDO:0007915)

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** lymphadenitis (MESH:D008199), fever (MESH:D005334), KFD (MESH:D020042), lymphadenopathy (MESH:D008206), Lupus Cerebritis (MESH:D008180)
- **Chemicals:** Steroids (MESH:D013256)

## Figures

3 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12088232/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12088232