The clinicopathologic features of five cases of Kikuchi's lymphadeniti
s (histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis without granulocytic infiltra
tion) Occurring in Qatar are presented. There were three females and t
wo males aged from 18 to 36 years with a mean of 29 years. Three were
Indians and two were Qataris. Cervical lymph nodes were affected in al
l cases while one patient also had inguinal and femoral lymph node enl
argement. Three patients achieved complete remission within three mont
hs. The differential diagnosis both clinically and histologically, inc
luded malignant lymphoma, toxoplasmosis, tuberculosis, leprosy, Yersin
ia and viral infections. To avoid errors in diagnosis, especially that
of malignant lymphoma, attention must be paid to the location of the
lesion, composition of the cellular infiltrate and the typical fibrino
id type of necrosis in the background.