New perspectives in eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA): report of the first meeting of the European EGPA Study Group

The European Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (EGPA) study group first gathered in Firenze in December 2018. The discussion was centred around the clinical and therapeutic needs in EGPA which still remain unmet. Indeed, EGPA is a puzzling and rare disease which shares clinical features with other anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAVs) and hypereosinophilic syndromes (HESs). Some of the recommendations published in 2015 are based on data derived from EGPA-related diseases, rather than from EGPA itself, and therefore need to be updated. Thus, the aim of the meeting was to stimulate ongoing research, to promote collaborative European studies and to define the main issues on which future studies should be focused. Current fields of research on EGPA include potential serological biomarkers of disease activity and of specific organ involvement, possible links between different genetic variants and clinical phenotypes, and new therapeutic perspectives. Herein, we give an overview of the meeting with the goal to stimulate an international collaboration and new points of discussion.

Solitary Eosinophilic Granuloma of the Calvaria

AIMS AND BACKGROUND

Histiocytosis X is a condition characterized by an abnormal proliferation of histiocytes with a variable granulomatous and inflammatory component; bone involvement is almost always present. The aim of this study was to define the management of solitary eosinophilic granuloma (EG) of the calvaria in adult patients, in relation to the size and site of the lesion.

METHODS

Fourteen patients, ranging in age from 7 to 45 years, with solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the calvaria were surgically treated by craniectomy or curettage and cranioplasty. We subgrouped the lesions into two types: A) lesions localized inside the diploë and/or compressing the cerebral parenchyma below but without dural infiltration; B) lesions with mainly intracranial growth, compressing the cerebral parenchyma and infiltrating the dura. The infiltrated dura mater in type B lesions was replaced with a dural patch. Cranioplasty was performed in lesions with a diameter of 4 cm or more and/or located in aesthetically exposed areas of the skull.

RESULTS

None of the patients died during the study and no local or systemic recurrences were observed during follow-up (min. 3 yrs, max. 8 yrs).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of patients with isolated EG of the calvaria not only is simple and quick but also allows histological diagnosis of the osteolytic lesion. These patients do not require further adjuvant treatment. Cranioplasty should be performed when the lesion has a diameter of 4 cm or more, when it is located in aesthetically exposed areas of the skull such as the frontal or temporal bones, or when it produces alterations of the normal skull morphology.

The outcome of eosinophilic granuloma involving unilateral atlantoaxial joint: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Solitary eosinophilic granuloma (EG), the most benign, common form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, has a self-limiting process and is associated with a good prognosis. Immobilization is recommended as the first treatment strategy for solitary EG, although the treatment protocols are still controversial. Radiotherapy and surgery are secondary treatment choices. Lesions of the upper cervical spine react differently to treatment because of their specific anatomical and motor features.

PATIENT CONCERNS

We discuss the case of a 29-year-old man with axis EG who underwent immobilization, radiotherapy, and finally surgery.

DIAGNOSIS

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG).

INTERVENTIONS

An initial conservative protocol, including immobilization with a collar and radiotherapy, effectively relieved his neck pain, whereas torticollis secondary to atlantoaxial subluxation was not improved. Therefore, he underwent tumor resection through the anterior approach and spinal reconstruction, fixation, and fusion through the posterior approach.

OUTCOMES

The deformity was well corrected and follow-up was satisfactory.

LESSONS

Upon review of the literature, we found that EG lesions affecting the axis have more risk factors for instability or deformity, and they have particular anatomical and motor characteristics; thus, they require more consideration and attention in terms of treatment, prognosis, and follow-up.

[Surgical treatment combined with oral administration of indomethacin for eosinophilic granuloma of the skull: report of a pediatric case]

A 13-year-old girl presented headache for 5 d upon admission to hospital. An initial CT revealed 3 lesions located in her skull, the sizes of which were 2.5 cm×3.2 cm,1.2 cm×1.0 cm,0.3 cm×0.3 cm, respectively. The largest lesion was resected by surgery and confirmed as eosinophilic granuloma by pathology. After surgery, she took oral indomethacin 25 mg b·i·d for 3 months and tolerated it well. CT scan was performed 3 months and 1 year later, and the results showed that the unresected lesions shrank progressively and the defected bones were regenerated and healed one year later after operation.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the temporal bone in an adult: controversies in the management

Eosinophilic granuloma is a rare, benign, lesion characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of Langerhan's cells. It is commonly found in a bone and has been described in almost every bone in the body. It usually affects children and is seldom found in adults. A case of 60-year-old adult male with an eosinophilic granuloma of the right temporal bone with infiltration of the temporal and infratemporal fossa and osteolysis of the squama of the temporal bone is presented. Diagnostic procedure and course of treatment are described. Controversies in the management and different approaches in therapy of such lesion are discussed because there is no agreed treatment protocol established.

Long term follow up of eosinophilic granuloma of the rib

BACKROUNDS: Eosinophilic granuloma is one of the rarest causes of bone tumors, especially in adults. Eosinophilic granuloma is the commonest form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and represents the unifocal osseous form of the disease which usually affects the skull and long bones. Eosinophilic granuloma, is a benign disease in which diagnosis and differential diagnosis presents more difficulties than treatment.

OBSERVATION

We present a case of eosinophilic granuloma of the rib with long term follow-up of 14 years which was treated with a combination of surgery and chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Prognosis of adult eosinophilic granuloma is excellent and the recurrence rate is limited. All available treatment options, including surgery, chemotherapy, corticosteroids, radiation, and even palliative treatment have very good results and in many cases the disease seems to heal spontaneously. However the disease, due to its rarity and unknown pathogenesis still remains an enigma for the clinical doctor.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the mandible in a six-year-old child

Histiocytosis is a term applied to a group of rare disorders of the reticuloendothelial system. Eosinophilic granuloma, the most benign and localized of the three Langerhans cell histiocytosis entities, may be solitary or multiple. Eosinophilic granuloma can affect almost any bone, but commonly involves the mandible when the jaws are affected. Conventional treatment of LCH is with surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and steroid injections, alone or in combination. Spontaneous regression of localized disease has also been reported. We report a six and a half-year-old patient with Langerhans cell histiocytosis--solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the mandible that initially regressed but rapidly recurred even after radical treatment and had a fatal outcome.

Primary bone tumors of the spine in children

OBJECT

Tumors originating in the vertebrae in children are difficult to treat. In this paper the authors sought to evaluate the decision-making process and outcome of surgical intervention in this population given the complex issues of spinal stability, continued skeletal growth, intraoperative blood loss, and long-term outcome.

METHODS

To select patients for this study, the authors retrospectively reviewed medical records and images at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between 1996 and 2005. Their inclusion criteria were age younger than 18 years at the time of diagnosis and histopathological findings confirming that the tumor originated from vertebral bone. Sixteen patients met these requirements. In addition, the authors conducted a comparison with 45 patients in whom similar diagnoses were made prior to 1996. Gross-total resection of all nonmetastatic primary bone tumors is desired, as exemplified in 11 patients in this series; biopsy sampling only was performed in two others. Gross-total resection was also not performed in three patients with eosinophilic granuloma (EG). These three patients underwent nonsurgical treatment, which is different from how patients with EG were treated in the earlier study. Nine histopathological diagnoses were included; with a mean follow-up period of 3.7 years, the survival rate is 94%. The tumor recurred in one patient with a giant cell tumor of the sacrum. The authors performed preoperative tumor embolization and found that it was a useful adjunct to resection. Provocative testing prior to embolization was part of the protocol to reduce ischemic complications. Motion-sparing surgical procedures were performed in which a few segments were fused, preserving axial mobility.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, early intervention offers the best symptomatic relief, which can only be rendered if sufficient clinical suspicion provokes early diagnostic imaging.

Eosinophilic granuloma in the pediatric spine

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) involving the vertebrae in the pediatric population presents a difficult management scenario. Issues of surgical versus nonsurgical intervention, spinal stability and continued skeletal growth must all be considered.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records and radiographs from 1964 to the present yielded 12 patients with age less than 18 at the time of diagnosis of primary spinal EG.

RESULTS

Eleven of these 12 patients presented with pain; 2 patients had neurological deficits. Nine patients were managed nonsurgically, including those undergoing tissue diagnosis by needle (2) or extraspinal (3) biopsy; 3 patients underwent gross total resections. Radiographic diagnosis alone was made in 4. With an average follow-up of 8.1 years, survival is 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

EG in the spine infrequently produces neurological deficits in the pediatric age group, although it may result in spinal instability. As such, nonsurgical management is the preferred strategy to effect symptomatic relief.

Eosinophilic Granuloma Masquerading as Aggressive Periodontitis

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is the mildest and mainly localized form of the clinicopathologic spectrum of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. It is a destructive osseous lesion characterized by a vast number of eosinophils and histiocytes. The etiology remains unknown. In this paper, a case of EG is presented that was initially diagnosed and treated as aggressive periodontitis (AP).

METHODS

Despite treatment procedures, the EG continued to expand very quickly, destroying the lingual cortical bone and the neighboring soft tissues and exhibiting periosteal reaction. Diagnosis of EG was established on the basis of histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation. Moreover, certain manifestations in the skeletal and respiratory system were observed.

RESULTS

Surgical curettage of the lesions was effective; however, corticosteroids and low-dose radiation were used as adjunctive therapy.

CONCLUSION

The rapid progress of eosinophilic granuloma, the diagnostic problems, and the consequences of late diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Unusual recurrence in ureters and maxillary sinus of Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving mastoid bone

We present a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) diagnosed in the mastoid bone. The tumor recurred in the ureter and maxillary sinus mucosa two years later. The diagnosis of LCH was based on morphology and immunohistochemistry. Involvement of the ureter and the maxillary sinus in LCH is extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of LCH affecting the mastoid bone in a 16-year-old boy and recurring later in the ureter and maxillary sinus mucosa.

Oral, nasal, and cutaneous eosinophilic granulomas in the black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis): a lesion distinct from superficial necrolytic dermatitis

Oral, nasal, and cutaneous lesions resembling eosinophilic granulomas (EGs) were observed in eight captive black rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis). Oral lesions were observed in all affected animals and occurred most often behind the prehensile lip. The typical clinical history of affected animals included oral bleeding or epistaxis from multilobulated, fungating, proliferative masses with areas of ulceration. Histologically, lesions were characterized by prominent infiltrates of eosinophils and rare foci of collagen degeneration on a background of marked submucosal or dermal neovascularization. Mucosal or epidermal hyperplasia was also present sometimes in association with distinctive epithelial degenerative changes consistent with superficial necrolytic dermatopathy of black rhinoceroses. Lesions of EG and superficial necrolytic dermatopathy were interpreted as being concurrently manifested in these cases. EG lesions spontaneously resolved over periods of 30 days-7 mo and were recurrent in three animals. Lesions were responsive to treatment with corticosteroids or to local cryotherapy with liquid nitrogen. Two animals treated with systemic corticosteroids died of disseminated fungal infections, emphasizing that corticosteroids should be used cautiously in black rhinoceroses.

A dancer with an unusual cause of neck pain

A girl presented with a dull ache in the neck and mild difficulty in neck movements. She had limited clinical signs and her initial work up failed to reveal the cause. With the help of imaging modalities and CT guided needle biopsy, she was diagnosed to have an eosinophilic granuloma of the fifth cervical vertebra. There were no neurological symptoms. She was successfully managed with immobilization of spine, local irradiation and systemic vinblastine. The literature is briefly reviewed for clinical features, diagnosis and management.

[Eosinophilic granuloma of the jaw: an analysis of 21 cases]

PURPOSE

To study the clinical features and treatment of eosinophilic granuloma of the jaw (EGJ) in 21 cases.

METHODS

21 patients with EGJ treated from 1983 to 2002 were reviewed, including the sexes, ages, extent of lesions, clinical features and treatment methods.

RESULTS

The male to female rate was 13:8. 76% of the cases were among 2-10 years. The median age was 8 years, 18 lesions were in the mandible, 1 was in the maxilla and 2 involved the mandible and maxilla.

CONCLUSIONS

EGJ was rarely seen clinically, lack of specificity. Pathology can confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is still the major treatment modality. Combination of radiotherapy or chemotherapy maybe valuable. The prognosis of the patients was generally good.

[Gastric anisakidosis: personal experience]

Anisakidosis is a parasitic disease of the human gastrointestinal tract caused by ingestion of marine nematode larvae such as anisakis simplex or, rarely, Pseudoterranova, present in raw or undercooked fish. Frequent sites of involvement by anisakis are the stomach, small intestine, rarely the colon, or the peritoneum, liver, pancreas, lung and tonsils, anisakidosis is a self-limiting disease; the symptoms arise 12-24 hours after ingesting raw fish and include nausea, diarrhoea, and severe abdominal pain, but also anaphylactic reactions. At the site of penetration, anisakis causes marked oedema, eosinophilic infiltration and granuloma formation. There are haematological abnormalities such as marked leukocytosis of the peripheral blood, eosinophilia, and positive PCR and serum antibodies to the larva's surface antigens. The diagnosis of anisakidosis can be made by endoscopy, radiology and US, but the disease is often diagnosed at surgical intervention. In the gastric form of anisakidosis, EGIDS has both a diagnostic role and a therapeutic one because it is possible to remove the worm using biopsy forceps. We report on one case of gastric anisakidosis, in a women, hospitalised for intense epigastric pain and vomiting after ingesting raw fish. She underwent gastroscopy. A worm was extracted from the gastric mucosa using biopsy forceps. This was followed by clinical improvement. The worm was identified by its macroscopic and microscopic characteristics as an anisakis larva. At laboratory examination, marked leukocytosis and eosinophilia of the patient's peripheral blood were observed 3-4 days after ingestion of anisakis.

Eosinophilic Granuloma of the Orbit: Understanding the Paradox of Aggressive Destruction Responsive to Minimal Intervention

PURPOSE

To describe the findings and outcomes in eosinophilic granuloma (unifocal Langerhans-cell histiocytosis [LCH]) of the orbit and to explain the paradox of aggressive bone destruction responsive to minimal intervention.

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series of patients treated from 1985 to 2001. Minimum inclusion criteria were demonstration of CD1a positivity or Birbeck granules, treatment by a single surgeon, systemic evaluation by a pediatric oncologist, and follow-up of 12 months. A pathogenetic construct was assembled from general LCH concepts and the specific orbital findings.

RESULTS

Seven patients met study criteria. All were male, 2 to 16 years of age. All had eyelid or forehead swelling and osteolytic defects, with symptoms of 2 to 6 weeks' duration. All underwent incisional biopsy, with frozen-section examination suggestive of LCH in 6 of 7 cases. The 2 earliest patients received low-dose irradiation after simple biopsy. The 5 most recent patients had subtotal curettage at the time of biopsy; 4 of 5 received simultaneous intralesional corticosteroid injection. In all cases, systemic evaluation showed no other focus of LCH, reossification was timely, and no local recurrence or additional focus was noted in follow-up of 1 to 17 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Transient immune dysfunction may provoke the cytokine-mediated proliferation of pathologic Langerhans cells within the hematopoietic marrow of the anterolateral frontal bone. These cells cause osteolysis through elaboration of interleukin-1 and prostaglandin E2. Corticosteroids can inhibit the mediators. We recommend incisional biopsy, frozen-section provisional diagnosis, subtotal curettage, intralesional corticosteroid instillation, postoperative systemic evaluation, and long-term surveillance.

Spontaneous resolution of calvarial eosinophilic granuloma in children

OBJECTIVE

The recommended treatment for solitary calvarial eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is surgical resection by curettage, craniectomy or craniotomy. The purpose of this study was to describe the spontaneous resolution of calvarial EG and discuss 'observation only' as an option in the management of this condition.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed of children with calvarial EG seen at a tertiary care children's hospital. Of a total of 17 such patients, four were managed without any intervention and formed the basis of this report.

RESULTS

In all four patients treated by 'observation only', there was a tender calvarial mass which enlarged rapidly over a few days and then resolved slowly over many weeks. The diagnosis of EG was based on the findings of plain radiographs and/or computed tomography. All masses had resolved by 8 weeks, and the underlying cranial defect filled in spontaneously in all cases. There was no recurrence at follow-up, which ranged from 2 months to 7 years.

CONCLUSIONS

'Observation only' should be considered as a viable option in the management of children with solitary calvarial masses that have the radiographic features of EG. Consideration should be given to delaying surgical intervention to allow time to see if spontaneous resolution occurs.

Eosinophilic granuloma of the orbit: a paradox of aggressive destruction responsive to minimal intervention

PURPOSE

To describe the findings and outcomes in eosinophilic granuloma (unifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis [LCH]) of the orbit, and to explain the paradox of aggressive bone destruction responsive to minimal intervention.

METHODS

Retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series of patients treated from 1985 through 2001. Minimum inclusion criteria were demonstration of CD1a positivity or Birbeck granules, treatment by a single surgeon, systemic evaluation by a pediatric oncologist, and follow-up of 12 months. A pathogenetic construct was assembled from general LCH concepts and the specific orbital findings.

RESULTS

Seven patients met study criteria. All were male, 2 to 16 years of age. All had eyelid or forehead swelling and osteolytic defects, with symptoms of 2 to 6 weeks' duration. All underwent incisional biopsy, with frozen-section examination suggestive of LCH in 6 of 7 cases. The 2 earliest patients received low-dose irradiation after simple biopsy. The 5 most recent patients had subtotal curettage at the time of biopsy; 4 of 5 received simultaneous intralesional corticosteroid injection. In all cases, systemic evaluation showed no other focus of LCH, reossification was timely, and no local recurrence or additional focus was noted in follow-up of 1 to 17 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Transient immune dysfunction may provoke the cytokine-mediated proliferation of pathologic Langerhans cells within the hematopoietic marrow of the anterolateral frontal bone. These cells cause osteolysis through elaboration of interleukin-1 and prostaglandin E2. Corticosteroids can inhibit the mediators. We recommend incisional biopsy, frozen-section provisional diagnosis, subtotal curettage, intralesional corticosteroid instillation, postoperative systemic evaluation, and long-term follow-up.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone in children and adolescents

The purpose of this paper was to analyze the orthopaedic aspects of Langerhans cell histiocytosis and to assess the outcome after treatment. Fifty-six patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving the bone were retrospectively studied. Three groups were identified with regard to the type of bone involvement. Group I patients (n = 26) had a solitary bone lesion, with no systemic involvement. No treatment was given in 22 patients and curettage was done in 4 patients. At last follow-up, complete or partial healing was observed in 25 patients. Group II patients (n = 13) had multiple bone lesions, with no systemic involvement. Clinical and radiographic pictures as well as the outcome after treatment were similar to those in group I. Group III patients (n = 17) had bone and systemic involvement. Chemotherapy was used in all group III patients, with adjuvant radiotherapy in seven patients. Recurrence or new lesions were observed in 11 patients. Complications of treatment were observed in 14 patients. Lesions in group I and II patients had a considerable potential for spontaneous healing. Group III patients had the worst prognosis. Current chemotherapy protocols have a high morbidity and produce a variable response.