Recurrent Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis (Kikuchi's Disease) in an Human T Lymphotropic Virus Type I Carrier

Abstract

We describe a case of recurrent histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis (HNL) with aseptic meningitis. The patient was a 46-year-old male and a carrier of human T lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). The patient had a past medical history of at least three relapses of HNL. In addition, his sister, who was also an HTLV-I carrier, had recurrent clinical episodes consistent with those of HNL, suggesting familial HNL occurrence. This observation suggests the possibility that HTLV-I infection is relevant to the pathogenesis of HNL.
(Internal Medicine 35: 821-825, 1996)