kikuchi

Kikuchi is a Japanese surname and a placename. It is historically associated with the Kikuchi clan, a regional samurai family centered in Higo Province, in what is today Kumamoto Prefecture. The name is carried by many individuals in Japan and among Japanese communities worldwide, reflecting its long history as both a family name and a toponym.

Kikuchi disease, also known as Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease, is a rare form of necrotizing lymphadenitis. It typically presents with fever and tender cervical lymphadenopathy, most often in young women. Laboratory tests may show mild leukopenia or elevated inflammatory markers. The disease is usually self-limited, resolving over weeks to months, and the exact cause is unknown. Diagnosis relies on lymph node biopsy showing histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, with exclusion of malignancy and infectious etiologies. Management is supportive, and glucocorticoids may be used in severe cases.

In addition to medical usage, the name appears in geographic and civic contexts in Japan, reflecting its toponymic origin. The Kikuchi surname has been borne by various public figures in science, arts, and sports.