Clinical Characteristics of Kimura Disease in Korea

Abstract

RATIONALE: Kimura disease, a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, presents subcutaneous mass, regional lymphadenopathy, peripheral blood eosinophilia or increased level in serum immunoglobulin E. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical features of Kimura disease in Korea. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 30 patients with Kimura disease proven histologically, from January 1991 to December 2008 in Seoul National University Hospital. Clinical course and treatment were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of all patients, 26 were male (86.7%), and mean age was 26.0614.8 years. Involved sites were as follows; parotid area (n59), upper extremity (n57), retro-auricular area (n56), submandible (n55), groin (n54) and eyelid (n53). Eight patients had bilateral lesions. The common symptoms were painless soft tissue swelling and pruritus. Peripheral blood eosinophilia was observed in 27 patients (90.0%). In total 30 patients, 23 were treated with any modalities; 11 with corticosteroids, 11 with operation and 1 with radiation. The other 7 patients were just observed without any treatments. Among the 23 patients treated with any modalities, only 9 (4 with corticosteroids and 5 with operation) have come into the state of complete remission (CR). The clinical courses of 21 patients who have not been in the CR state, were variable in point of size or number of mass. CONCLUSIONS: Although Kimura disease inKorea has variable clinical features, a male patient with painless soft tissue swelling and peripheral blood eosinophilia can be suspected of Kimura disease. The optimal management of Kimura disease needs further investigation.