Kimura's disease revisited: report of a case with a clinical and cytohistological correlation

Kimura's disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown aetiology. The common mode of clinical presentation is in the form of painless subcutaneous nodules usually seen in the head and neck region and is associated with regional lymphadenopathy and occasional involvement of the major salivary glands. It is often accompanied by peripheral eosinophilia and markedly elevated serum IgE levels. Histologically, it is characterised by reactive lymphoid follicles with eosinophilic infiltration, sometimes forming eosinophilic abscesses and prominent postcapillary venules. There is no consensus about optimal treatment of this disease in the reported literature. This condition seldom resolves spontaneously but the prognosis is good. Malignant transformation has not been reported. Early diagnosis of KD could spare the patient unnecessary and potentially harmful diagnostic procedures. A high index of clinical suspicion can help in diagnosing this disease and aid in better management.