Current concepts of Kimura disease: pathophysiology and evolution of treatment

Abstract

Kimura disease (KD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that frequently involves the subcutaneous tissue of the head and neck regions. It of-ten manifests as regional lymphadenopathy or salivary gland enlargement in the affected area. The histologic architecture of the lymph nodes in KD patients is preserved, while the affected tissues show follicular hyperplasia and eosinophilic infiltration. No single modality has been adopted as an optimal treatment for KD. This article concentrates on the fundamental features of KD and reviews current approaches to its treatment. Abbreviations: ALHE, angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia; IgE, immunoglobulin E; IL, interleukin; KD, Kimura disease; PTK, protein tyrosine kinase; Th2, T-helper 2. © 2022 Korean Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association.