Six Years of Suspected TB, Finally Diagnosed with a Rare Disease

A 32-year-old man from Visakhapatnam with recurrent lymph node swelling for nearly six years was repeatedly treated for suspected tuberculosis before being diagnosed with Kikuchi–Fujimoto disease, a rare inflammatory condition of the lymph nodes.

At KIMS Hospitals, Seethammadhara, a detailed evaluation involving lymph node biopsy, blood investigations, microbiological tests, and immunological studies helped establish the correct diagnosis.

Dr. Konathala Sureendra, Senior Consultant Interventional Pulmonology & Sleep Specialist, emphasized that persistent or recurrent lymph node swelling should not automatically be attributed to tuberculosis. When symptoms continue despite treatment and tests for infection are negative, other causes must be carefully evaluated.

The patient completed treatment and was discharged in stable condition.

The right diagnosis begins with looking beyond the obvious.