Its primary symptoms are subdermal lesions in the head or neck or painless unilateral inflammation of cervical lymph nodes.
[1] The pathophysiology of Kimura's disease remains unknown, although an allergic reaction, trauma, and an autoimmune process have all been implicated as possible causes.
[1] Kimura's disease presents predominantly as subcutaneous nodules in the head and neck, often unilateral, and frequently associated with regional lymphadenopathy with or without the involvement of salivary glands.
Peripheral blood eosinophilia and elevated serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels are constant features of Kimura's disease.
[citation needed] "Lymphoid nodules with discrete germinal centers can occupy an area extending from the reticular dermis to the fascia and muscle.
Cyclosporine has been reported to induce remission in patients with Kimura's disease, but recurrence of the lesions has been observed once this therapy is stopped.
[8] In a 2005 study, the American College of Rheumatology conducted treatments initially using prednisone, followed by steroid dosages and azathioprine, omeprazole, and calcium and vitamin D supplements over the course of two years.
[8] Asymptomatically, the patient's skin lesions disappeared after treatment with cetirizine, blood eosinophil counts became normal,[8] corticosteroid effects were resolved,[8] and a remission began within a period of two months.
Initially treated with corticosteroids, he was given a single dose of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) as a steroid-sparing agent after the disease flared while tapering prednisone.
After IVIG administration, improvement was rapid, both left and right cervical masses diminished to less than 1 cm and his eosinophil and IgE levels returned to normal range.
Tacrolimus may be an effective treatment for patients with Kimura's disease, but more research is needed to determine its long-term efficacy and safety, as well as its mechanism of action.
[citation needed] The first known report of Kimura's disease was from China in 1937, when Kimm and Szeto identified seven cases of the condition.