Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare disorder characterized by accumulation of histiocytes and massive lymphadenopathy, particularly in the neck and head.

Rosai-Dorfman disease is most common among patients < 20 yr, particularly blacks. Cause is unknown.

The most common presenting symptoms are fever and massive, painless cervical adenopathy. Other nodal sites, including the mediastinum, retroperitoneum, axillae, and inguinal region, may be involved, as may the nasal cavity, salivary gland tissue, other regions of the head and neck, and CNS. Other manifestations may include lytic bone lesions, pulmonary nodules, and rash. The bone marrow and spleen are typically spared.

Laboratory testing usually shows leukocytosis, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, hypochromic or normocytic anemia, and elevated ESR.

The disorder commonly resolves without treatment. Treatment is uncertain; chemotherapy has been tried.

Last full review/revision November 2009 by Jeffrey M. Lipton, MD, PhD

Content last modified February 2012