Abstract
BACKGROUND: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is a frequently febrile, self-limited, subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis. It occurs predominantly in young females and is more common in Asia. AIM: This study aims to characterize the cytomorphological spectrum of KFD through fine-needle aspiration (FNA) findings across multiple centers, highlight under-recognized diagnostic features, and refine cytologic differentials to improve diagnostic accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group comprised a multicenter study experience of 30 cases diagnosed as KFD on cytology or subsequent histology. RESULTS: Cytomorphological features of 30 cases diagnosed as KFD on FNA smears were studied. Out of these 30 cases, spontaneous resolution occurred on 4 to 16 weeks of follow-up in 22 cases; in the remaining eight cases, cytologic diagnosis was confirmed on histology, supplemented by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: The cytological features of KFD pose diagnostic challenges, on account of its broad cytologic spectrum, though crescentic histiocytes are a constant feature. These cytological features must be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context.