Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis preceding systemic lupus erythematosus

Necrotizing histiocytic lymphadenopathy (NHL) is a rarely observed clinical entity that is occasionally associated with systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE). The histological features of the condition have been considered to be indistinguishable from those of lymphadenitis in subjects with SLE, and th e clinical symptoms of the two disorders share common features. This report presents the case history of a subject who developed SLE with central nerv ous system involvement 3 years following onset of Kikuchi's disease (histio cytic necrotizing lymphadenitis). Repeated lymph node biopsies confirmed th e diagnosis in relation to the clinical progression. A review of the litera ture on this topic is also presented.