A case of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi's disease) associated with Epstein-Barr virus infection

A case of histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (Kikuchi's disease) accompanied by elevation of the serum antibody against Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-viral capsid antigen is presented. On histopathological and immunohistochemical studies, infiltration of numerous macrophages (CD68+) and T cells (CD45RO+) was seen around the periphery of a necrotic lesion in the paracortical area of lymph nodes, showing a reduced CD 4+/CD 8+ratio. Furthermore, EBV-encoded latent membrane protein (LMP-1) was detected in the lymphocytes of involved lymph nodes. These findings suggest that this case might be related to EBV infection.