Fine-needle aspiration cytology of Kikuchi's lymphadenitis: a report of ten cases

Diagn Cytopathol. 2001 Oct;25(4):220-4. doi: 10.1002/dc.2042.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytologic features of Kikuchi's lymphadenitis (KL). Smears from 10 patients with histologically proven KL were reviewed. In all cases, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) was performed prior to biopsy. To assess the validity of morphologic recognition, a blinded study, including smears from non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, nonspecific, and mycobacterial lymphadenitis was performed. At least 5 cases showed characteristic cytologic findings that permitted their specific recognition. A polymorphous lymphoid population with abundant karyorrhectic debris and histiocytes, many of which showed a small size and eccentrically placed, crescent nuclei, were characteristic features of KL. The remaining 5 cases failed to show typical findings and were indistinguishable from other nonspecific, reactive lymphadenopathies. When typical cytologic findings are present in an adequate clinical context (cervical nodes in young patients), a precise diagnosis is possible, avoiding unnecessary biopsies.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biopsy, Needle
  • Female
  • Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes / pathology*
  • Male
  • Necrosis
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Single-Blind Method