Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Pediatric Ribs at Chest Radiography: Normal Variants and Abnormalities

Normal variants and abnormalities of the ribs are frequently encountered on chest radiographs. Accurate identification of normal variants is crucial to avoid unnecessary investigations. A meticulous evaluation of rib abnormalities can provide valuable insights into the patient's symptoms, and even when no osseous condition is suspected, rib abnormalities may offer critical clues to underlying conditions. Rib abnormalities are associated with various conditions, including benign tumors, malignant tumors, infectious and inflammatory conditions, vascular abnormalities, metabolic disorders, nonaccidental injuries, malformation syndromes, and bone dysplasias. Abnormalities of the ribs are classified into three groups based on their radiographic patterns: focal, multifocal, and diffuse changes. Focal lesions are further subdivided into nonaggressive lesions, aggressive lesions, and infectious and inflammatory disorders. Radiologists should be aware of individual disorders of the pediatric ribs, including their imaging findings, relevant clinical information, and underlying pathogenesis. Differential diagnoses are addressed as appropriate. Since chest radiographs can suffice for diagnosis in certain cases, the authors emphasize a pattern recognition approach to radiographic interpretation. However, additional cross-sectional imaging may be necessary for focal lesions such as tumors or inflammatory conditions. Awareness of disease-specific imaging findings helps ascertain the nature of the lesion and directs appropriate management. ©RSNA, 2023 Quiz questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Orbit Presenting as Periorbital Cellulitis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease of the reticuloendothelial system. It is characterized by misguided differentiation of myeloid dendritic cell precursors. LCH most commonly presents in childhood and the clinical presentation is dependent on the site and extent of organ involvement. We report a case of orbital Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 12-year-old boy who presented with left periorbital cellulitis with subsequent proptosis. He later underwent a successful left orbital-frontal-temporal craniotomy and is currently undergoing postoperative chemotherapy.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Mandible

The unusual disorder known as Langerhans cell histiocytosis, which is most frequently seen in children and young adults, is caused by the clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells. Even if clinical signs and radiographic evidence of destructive bone lesions may raise suspicion of the disease, a reliable diagnosis without a thorough pathological examination is challenging. This report describes a case of eosinophilic granuloma of the mandible in a nine-year-old child with characteristic radiological, histopathological, and immunohistochemical features.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adolescent patients: a single-centre retrospective study

Background

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a myeloid dendritic cell disorder frequently affecting children more than adults. The presentation of LCH varies with age, however, the clinical characteristics and genetic profiles of adolescent LCH remain elusive. To address the knowledge gap, we performed a single-centre retrospective study of 36 adolescent LCH patients aged between 14 and 17 years at Peking Union Medical College Hospital.

Results

At the time of diagnosis, 10 patients were classified as unifocal single system LCH (27.8%), 2 patients had pulmonary single system LCH (5.6%), 5 patients had multifocal single system LCH with bone involvement (13.9%), and 19 patients had multisystem LCH (52.8%). The most prevalent involvement in multisystem patients was the pituitary gland (78.9%), followed by the bone (42.1%), lung (42.1%), and lymph nodes (42.1%). Eight (42.1%) patients had risk organ involvement. BRAF^N486_P490 was detected in 50% of patients who underwent next generation sequencing, and BRAF^V600E was detected in one patient. Chemotherapies were the first line treatment in 24 patients. One patient died and thirteen patients relapsed during the follow-up. The estimated 5-year OS rate and EFS rate were 94.7% and 59.0%, respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, we report a large series of adolescent LCH patients. The clinical characteristics of adolescent LCH patients may be close to adult LCH. Compared with pediatric cases, adolescent LCH tends to have more pituitary lesions and pulmonary involvement, fewer skin and hematopoietic involvement, a higher frequency of BRAF deletion mutation, and a lower frequency of BRAF^V600E mutation.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02436-0.

Gastrointestinal lesion in adult-onset Langerhans cell histiocytosis

BACKGROUND

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease primarily occurring in children, and commonly involves the bone and skin; gastrointestinal tract involvement is notably rare. The incidence and significance of gastrointestinal lesions in adult LCH are unclear; thus, we aimed to investigate adult Japanese cases of LCH and clarify the features of gastrointestinal involvement.

METHODS

We gathered clinical information on 43 Japanese cases of adult LCH and analyzed patient backgrounds, affected organs, features of the gastrointestinal lesions, and the clinical courses.

RESULTS

Thirteen patients underwent endoscopic examinations: an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy alone in 5, lower gastrointestinal endoscopy alone in 3, and both in 5 patients. A gastric lesion (one case), colonic lesion (one case), and both gastric and rectal lesions (one case) were detected. The three cases of gastrointestinal involvement also exhibited nongastrointestinal multisystem LCH lesions and showed no gastrointestinal symptoms or increased uptake on positron emission tomography. Endoscopy revealed small erosions without specific features; histological examinations were required for diagnosis. These three cases were treated with chemotherapy, comprising vinblastine/prednisolone, methotrexate, and daily 6-mercaptopurine, for 36 weeks; in two cases, the clinical condition remained stable for several years post-treatment. One case showed recurrence 1 year 7 months after treatment, and chemotherapy was re-administered. No case with single-system disease exhibited gastrointestinal involvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Although gastrointestinal LCH lesions are rare, they were more common than expected in our cases of multisystem LCH. However, these lesions were relatively small and did not affect the patients' clinical courses.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in the adult clavicle: A case report

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Langerhans` Cell Histiocytosis is a rare disease involving proliferation of Langerhans-type cells, which shares immunophenotypic and ultrastructural similarities.

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LCH occurs dominantly in pediatric ages and involve cranium, pelvis, vertebrae, ribs, tubular bones and so forth.

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It is diagnosed by the means of histologic, immunochemical analysis.

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We encountered a very rare case of solitary LCH in an adult’s clavicle.

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We concluded LCH must be suspected as a diagnosis and ruled out when encountering primary tumorous lesion.

Introduction

Langerhans` Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease involving proliferation of Langerhans-type cells, which shares immunophenotypic and ultrastructural similarities. In this article, we report a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in solitary involvement of clavicle of adult male.

Presentation of case

A 21-year-old male visited outpatient department on account of solitary palpable tumorous lesion in right clavicle. The lesion was found 2 weeks before the visit, and it triggered pain but no tenderness. Findings on X-ray, and CT were suggestive of homogeneous osteolytic lesion of the clavicle, and hot uptake was found in right clavicle on bone scan which is commensurate with site of the lesion. Based on findings on MRI, Ewing's sarcoma, osteomyelitis and malignant hematologic malignancies were initially suspected for differential diagnosis. For the purpose of excision and histologic analysis, excisional biopsy was performed. Biopsy concluded with diagnosis of LCH.

Discussion

LCH is widely renowned for its frequent occurrence in pediatric ages, and it occurs usually between ages of one and four. It occasionally occurs in adults. LCH in skeletal system usually involves cranium, vertebrae, rib and so forth. It is very rare for LCH to occur exclusively in clavicle when it involves skeletal system.

For diagnosis of LCH, sole imaging studies are inadequate, and histologic, immunochemical analyses are confirmative modalities. Treatment of LCH is not currently standardized.

Conclusions

Most of the solitary tumorous lesions in clavicle in adults call for various differential diagnoses. LCH should be considered in the diagnosis of a adult patient with a clavicle mass.

Eosinophilic Granuloma of the Thumb Presenting in a 4-Month-Old Child: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is a benign bone tumor of unknown origin usually seen in children. It is typically found in flat and long bones of the skull and of the appendicular skeleton, respectively. Small bones are rarely affected. The diagnosis and treatment of EG can be challenging as differential diagnosis includes several disorders that can cause osteolytic lesions. Moreover, surgical treatment can be difficult due to the small size of the bone and surrounding structures. Here we describe a case of EG of the proximal phalanx of the thumb (P1 D1) presenting in a 4-month-old boy with persistent swelling and limited range-of-motion of the interphalangeal joint in the left thumb. Over a 6-year follow-up, no sign of relapse was observed. Moreover, the curetted bone did regenerate, and it appeared homogenously dense as normal trabecular bone on the last plain radiographs; the patient was symptom-free at the last follow-up visit. Clinical presentation, treatment, pathoanatomy, localization, and complication of this form of tumor are discussed, and all previously reported cases are reviewed to give a more comprehensive picture of EG of the hand and fingers.

A systematic approach in the diagnosis of paediatric skull lesions: what radiologists need to know

Paediatric skull lesions are commonly identified on imaging. They can be challenging to image, given their location and size, and often require several imaging modalities to narrow down the differential diagnosis. Accurate diagnosis of these lesions is paramount because the clinical therapy can vary tremendously. In this review, we provide a simple and systematic approach to clinical-radiological features of primary skull lesions. We highlight the imaging characteristics and differentiate pathologies based on imaging appearances. We also accentuate the role of cross-sectional imaging in lesion identification and management implications.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in an 18-month-old child presenting as periorbital cellulitis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare multi-system disease. It presents infrequently as a childhood orbital tumor, and can mimic more common inflammatory orbital disease processes. We report the clinical, histopathological, and electron microscopic findings of orbital LCH in an 18-month-old child, along with a review of the recent literature regarding molecular pathogenetic analysis of LCH. The child presented with a two-week history of progressive left periorbital edema and redness. He was initially diagnosed and treated empirically for bacterial periorbital cellulitis, but subsequently underwent ophthalmological consultation after he failed to improve. Histopathological examination of an orbital biopsy specimen revealed numerous Langerhans-type cells, which stain positive for CD1A and CD207 (langerin). Electron microscopic examination demonstrated characteristic Birbeck granules within the Langerhans-type cells. Three year follow-up did not demonstrate recurrence or disease progression.

A 12-Month-Old Healthy Girl with a New Oral Ulcer and Chronic Diaper Rash

A 12-month-old healthy girl presented with a chronic diaper rash. Physical examination demonstrated crusting of the scalp, erythematous papules with surrounding petechiae on the lower abdomen, and an intraoral palatal ulcer. Further imaging demonstrated bone involvement. Histopathologic examination of involved skin and the intraoral ulcer demonstrated epithelioid histiocytes with “coffee bean-shaped” nuclei, staining positive for CD1a and langerin by immunohistochemistry, consistent with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). LCH is a disease entity of unknown etiology characterized by histiocytic proliferation that most commonly presents in young children. The cutaneous findings of LCH include a seborrheic dermatitis-like and/or red-brown papular eruption. Intraoral examination is crucial as oral mucosal and maxillofacial skeletal disease can also be seen in LCH. When a child presents with a recalcitrant seborrheic dermatitis-like eruption or chronic diaper rash, the clinician should be alerted to the possibility of LCH. Timely recognition and diagnosis of LCH is important for oncologic referral, evaluation, and treatment.

Sonography of pediatric superficial lumps and bumps: illustrative examples from head to toe

Superficial lumps and bumps are extremely common in children, and the vast majority ultimately prove to be benign. Duplex/color Doppler ultrasound (US) has emerged as the first-line imaging modality for the evaluation of these superficial pediatric masses because it provides a means for rapid acquisition of information including size, shape, location, internal content and vascularity. More important, it does so without utilizing radiation, iodinated contrast material or sedation/anesthesia. In this review, we present the sonographic findings of a variety of cases ranging from head to toe that are either uncommonly seen or were diagnosed in an atypical fashion (i.e. ultrasound). In situations where the lesion is too deep, hyperechoic or large to be fully assessed within the field of view or if malignancy is suspected, then additional cross-sectional imaging is warranted for further evaluation.

Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in patients affected by Langerhans cell histiocytosis

PURPOSE

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare hematological disorder for which the utility of¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT is unclear. Our aim was to explore the metabolic features of LCH and the possible role of¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT in LCH evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We found 17 patients with histologically proven LCH who underwent 17¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT scans for staging and 42 scans for restaging/follow-up purposes. PET/CT results were compared with those obtained from other conventional imaging modalities (bone scintigraphy, plain radiogram, computed tomography, magnetic resonance).

RESULTS

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT was positive in 15/17 patients, and it detected 36/37 lesions; all bone and extraskeletal lesions, except for a cecal lesion, were¹⁸F-FDG-avid. Only 1/4 of the patients with lung LCH had hypermetabolic lesions. The average SUV_max of the FDG-avid lesions was 7.3 ± 6.7, the average lesion-to-liver SUV_max ratio was 3.4 ± 2.5, and the average lesion-to-blood pool SUV_max ratio was 4 ± 3.2. In comparison to other imaging methods,¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT detected additional lesions or was able to evaluate treatment response earlier in 33/74 cases; it was confirmatory in 38/74 and detected fewer lesions in 3/74 (all three with lung LCH).

CONCLUSIONS

¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT seems to be useful for evaluating LCH when compared to conventional imaging, except in pulmonary cases. It can be used both for staging and restaging purposes.

Spectrum of abdominal imaging findings in histiocytic disorders

OBJECTIVES

The present article provides an overview of the spectrum of abdominal findings of histiocytic disorders that may be observed in multimodality imaging illustrated by clinical cases from our Imaging Center.

METHODS

We will review abdominal findings of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, Rosai-Dorfman disease, Erdheim-Chester disease, and hemophagocytic syndrome illustrated by clinical cases from our imaging department with histologic correlation.

RESULTS

Abdominal involvement of histiocytic disorders is rare and may occur in the liver, biliary tract, kidney, retroperitoneum, kidney, gastrointestinal tract, and lymph nodes.

CONCLUSION

Histiocytic disorders encompass a group of rare diseases with a wide range of manifestations in which the abdominal involvement is quite infrequent. The role of the radiologist is to report the major imaging findings and the differential diagnosis; however, the imaging features are unspecific and biopsy usually is necessary to establish the definitive diagnosis.

The radiology of diffuse interstitial pulmonary disease in children: pearls, pitfalls and new kids on the block in 2015

Diffuse interstitial lung disease in children differs markedly from interstitial lung disease in adults and is a distinct entity. The childhood interstitial lung disease (ChILD) classification, devised in 2010 separates conditions into those occurring in infancy, and those not specific to infants, the later group containing many conditions related to systemic diseases (including connective tissue diseases and depositional/storage disorders), and conditions occurring in immunocompromised children. In this article, we briefly review normal lung growth and development. We discuss our preferred technique for imaging the lungs with computed tomography in children, and review the recent literature regarding the radiological appearance of various ChILD. We illustrate this with cases from our institution and emphasize the more recently recognised conditions including pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis and filamin A deficiency-related lung disease.

Activated Conventional T-Cells Are Present in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Lesions Despite the Presence of Immune Suppressive Cytokines

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) lesions are characterized by neoplastic CD1a(+)/Langerin(+) histiocytes (LCH-cells) and display many features of chronic inflammation. Cancer cells can escape immune-surveillance through intra-tumoral secretion of immune-suppressive cytokines. We therefore studied by immunohistochemistry the local cytokine milieu and phenotypic characteristics of T-cells and LCH-cells present in LCH lesions collected from 25 therapy naïve patients. LCH biopsies predominantly expressed interleukin-10 (IL-10) (10/25), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) (9/25), or both cytokines (6/25). The absolute number of CD3(+)T-cells and the CD3(+)FOXP3(-) conventional cell (T-CONV) versus the CD3(+)FOXP3(+) regulatory T-cell (T-REG) was comparable for each suppressive cytokine profile (5:1). IL-10-expressing lesions contained, however, a higher proportion of T-CONV expressing the activation markers CD25 98% (38%-100%) and inducible costimulatory molecule (ICOS) 86% (47%-100%) than lesions wherein solely TGF-β was detected (CD25(+) 20% (6%-54%); ICOS(+) 29% (7%-51%)). Virtually all T-REG expressed CD25 and ICOS in IL-10 lesions, whereas TGF-β(+) lesions contained a lower proportion of ICOS(+) T-REG (P=0.05). IL-10(+) lesions contained more LCH-cells expressing high intensity of ICOS ligand (ICOSL) compared with TGF-β(+) lesions (P=0.03). ICOS expression by lesion-infiltrating T-CONV and T-REG positively correlated to the extent of ICOSL expression by LCH-cells (P=0.004). Our study points out that the combined detection of interlesional IL-10 and ICOSL expression by LCH-cells is associated with the highest prevalence of activated T-CONV. Immune profiling of LCH-affected tissues obtained at the time of diagnosis may set the stage for the development of new types of therapies, which aim at local boosting of immune cells that recognize and eliminate neoplastic LCH-cells.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in an adult with involvement of the calvarium, cerebral cortex and brainstem: discussion of pathophysiology and rationale for the use of intravenous immune globulin

We report a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 64-year-old male who presented with symptoms and signs of brain involvement, including seizures and hypopituitarism. The diagnosis was confirmed with a biopsy of a lytic skull lesion. The disease affecting the bone showed no sign of progression following a short course of cladribine. Signs of temporal lobe involvement led to an additional biopsy, which showed signs of nonspecific neurodegeneration and which triggered status epilepticus. Lesions noted in the brainstem were typical for the paraneoplastic inflammation reported in this condition. These lesions improved after treatment with cladribine. They remained stable while on treatment with intravenous immune globulin.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis with multisystem involvement in an infant: A case report

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a proliferative disease of histiocyte-like cells, with a wide range of clinical presentations that vary from a solitary lesion to more severe multifocal or disseminated lesions. The disease can affect any age group; however, the peak incidence rate is in infants aged between 1 and 3 years-old. Diagnosis of LCH should be based on the synthetical analysis of clinical presentations, in addition to features of imaging and histopathology. Although certain cases regress spontaneously, other patients require systemic chemotherapy together with the administration of steroids. The present study reports the case of an infant with LDH with multisystem involvement, including that of the bone, skin, orbit, spleen and lungs. The patient received chemotherapy and obtained rapid improvement in the involved systems. A total of 2.5 years after completion of the therapy, the patient still remains in follow-up and no evidence of active disease has been noted.

[A clinicopathological analysis of 160 cases of adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the clinical features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and to improve its early diagnosis and treatment.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 160 cases of adult LCH from pathology department, West China Hospital of Sichuan University and Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 1992 to December 2013 were performed, and their clinical features were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 160 cases, there were 110 male and 50 female, the male to female ratio was 2.2:1. The mean age was 35(18-73) years. There were total 222 lesion sites, including 172(77.5%) osteal lesions, followed by 13(5.8%) lymph nodes and 8(3.6%) oral cavity lesions. The other involved organs were skin(5, 2.2%), liver(5, 2.2%), fossa orbitalis(4, 1.8%), lungs(4, 1.8%), sternoclavicular joint(3, 1.4%), gastrointestinal(2, 0.9%), ear(2, 0.9%), and thyroid (2, 0.9%), adrenal gland (1, 0.5%) and sublingual gland (1, 0.5%). Of 160 cases, 150 (93.8%) had one organ involved while 10 (6.2%) had two or more organs involved. Clinically, 77 cases (48.1%) were misdiagnosed as bone tumors (28 cases, including giant cell tumor, fibrous dysplasia, chondroblastoma, osteoblastoma and osteosarcoma), bone tuberculosis (13 cases), meningioma(9 cases), bone cysts (5 cases), chronic osteomyelitis (5 cases) and diabetes insipidus (5 cases) , skin (4 cases) diseases malignant lymphoma (4 cases), chronic skin ulcers (4 cases), chronic otitis media (1 case), lung (1 case) and oral cancer (1 case).

CONCLUSION

In this group of the adult cases, the ratio of the male patients is higher. Adult LCH occurs predominantly in bone and presents mainly as unisystem single-focal disease, but multi-organ lesion and skin involvement are lower than that reported in the literatures. Just as LCH in children, adult LCH is also easy to be misdiagnosed. We should raise awareness of the disease and pathological examination is helpful for early diagnosis.

Severe periodontal disease manifested in chronic disseminated type of langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 3-year old child

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), previously known as histio-cytosis X, is a rare idiopathic disorder of reticulo-endothelial system with abnormal proliferation of bone marrow derived Langerhans cells along with a variable number of leukocytes, such as eosinophils, neutrophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells. Three years old male child presented with multifocal osteolytic lesions and papulosquamous skin lesions. Clinical and radio-graphic features, such as severe alveolar bone loss, mobility of teeth, precocious eruption of teeth, foating appearance of teeth in orthopantomogram (OPG), osteolytic lesion in skull and cutaneous lesions were highly suggestive of LCH disease. Skin biopsy confirmed a diagnosis of LCH. Induction chemotherapy with oral prednisolone and intravenous vinblastine was started. Child responded well to chemotherapy. The clinical significance of the presented case is to diagnose the case of LCH on the basis of the manifestation of severe periodontal disease as this can be first or only manifestation of LCH. A dentist plays a major role in the multidisciplinary treatment of LCH through routine examination and periodic follow-up.

How to cite this article: Bansal M, Srivastava VK, Bansal R, Gupta V, Bansal M, Patne S. Severe Periodontal Disease Manifested in Chronic Disseminated Type of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis in a 3-Year Old Child. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014;7(3):217-219.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: Diagnosis on Thyroid Aspirate and Review of the Literature

Thyroid gland involvement by Langerhans cell histiocytosis is extremely rare. A 35-year-old woman with a history of a suprasellar mass previously diagnosed as a ganglioglioma and complicated by diabetes insipidus, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and central hypothyroidism presented with acute onset of neck enlargement. On ultrasound examination, almost the entire thyroid appeared replaced by abnormal lobulated hypoechoic tissue with increased vascularity. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid was performed and revealed singly scattered and loosely cohesive large cells with abundant cytoplasm, including some with irregular nuclear contours and nuclear grooves. No thyroid follicular cells were noted. Based on the cytomorphologic findings and ancillary studies (immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry analysis) a cytological diagnosis of "positive for neoplastic cells" with features suggestive of monocytic/histiocytic origin, possibly Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) was rendered. Following FNA, the patient underwent an incisional thyroid biopsy that confirmed the cytological impression of LCH. In light of the new diagnosis of LCH, the prior suprasellar mass biopsy slides were re-reviewed and rare cells suspicious for LCH were observed. Appropriate treatment for systemic LCH was initiated successfully. This case demonstrates that the presence of enlarged and loosely cohesive cells, especially those with irregular nuclear contours, in thyroid FNA specimens should raise suspicion for LCH. The diagnosis of LCH in FNA specimens is challenging. Additional material should be allocated for ancillary studies to confirm the morphological impression. In our case, not only was the thyroid FNA crucial in diagnosing LCH, but instrumental in initiating a thorough diagnostic work-up for multisystem involvement and thus unmasking the true etiology of the patient's suprasellar mass and associated endocrinopathies.

Approaches to treatment of unifocal langerhans cell histiocytosis: is biopsy alone enough?

BACKGROUND

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a variable disorder involving either single bone or multiorgan systems. The most effective treatment of unifocal osseous lesions is debated in the literature. This study describes the treatment approaches for LCH and demonstrates the effectiveness of biopsy in providing symptom resolution.

METHODS

Records of 61 patients diagnosed with LCH at a single institution over an 11-year period were reviewed. Thirty-nine patients with biopsy-confirmed diagnoses of unifocal osseous LCH were included in the analysis. At this institution, lesions are surgically treated by incisional biopsy, trocar biopsy, or curettage and grafting. Patients receive chemotherapy on a case-by-case basis, depending on the lesion location and size. A Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare time with symptom resolution across treatment groups.

RESULTS

In the 39 patients with unifocal osseous LCH, treatment approaches included incisional biopsy (n = 18, 46.15%), trocar biopsy (n = 8, 20.51%), incisional biopsy and chemotherapy (n = 8, 20.51%), and biopsy with bone grafting (n = 5, 12.82%). The median time from biopsy to symptom resolution was 5.43 weeks, with an average length of follow-up of 1.59 years. The median time to symptom resolution was 3.86 weeks with incisional biopsy, 5.43 weeks with biopsy and grafting, 5.64 weeks with trocar biopsy, and 16.57 weeks with biopsy and chemotherapy. Overall, there was a significant difference (P = 0.0262) in the time to symptom resolution across the different treatment approaches. Time to symptom resolution was significantly different between incisional biopsy and chemotherapy treatment compared with the incisional biopsy treatment (P = 0.0027), as well as biopsy with grafting treatment (P = 0.0264).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptom resolution occurred rapidly after biopsy and did not significantly differ among patients who received incisional biopsy, trocar biopsy, or biopsy with grafting. Unifocal osseous LCH likely does not require aggressive surgical or medical management. Biopsy alone both confirms the diagnosis and precedes a predictable resolution of symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, retrospective comparative therapeutic study.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis: 23 years’ paediatric experience highlights severe long-term sequelae

Purpose

To review the presentation and outcome of patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis attending The Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Glasgow over a 23-year period.

Method

Thirty-one children were diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis between January 1990 and December 2012. Retrospective information from medical records was gathered on age at diagnosis, presenting symptoms, classification of disease, treatment and long-term outcome.

Results

There were 17 boys and 14 girls; median age at diagnosis 2 years 9 months (interquartile range: 1 year 6 months to 4 years 4 months). Eleven were below 2 years and two were below 6 months of age at diagnosis. Eighteen (58%) children had single system disease of which four were multifocal; 13 (42%) had multisystem disease. Seventeen children improved with conservative treatment. Fourteen required steroids and dual agent chemotherapy; three required further chemotherapy. One child died. Two children had successfully treated relapses. Ten developed diabetes insipidus, seven were growth hormone deficient, two suffered from hypothyroidism and one panhypopituitarism. Median follow-up of the cohort was 8 years 10 months (interquartile range: 5 years 5 months to 12 years 7 months).

Conclusion

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disease in infants and young children, with a variable course ranging from self-limiting to life threatening. In very young children (under 2 years of age), multisystem disease is more common, requiring intensive chemotherapy and lifelong follow-up. Lasting sequelae were identified in over a third of patients, including endocrine dysfunction, hearing difficulties, neurological and psychological problems.

Eosinophilic granuloma of mandibular condyle: resection and complete regeneration

Eosinophilic granuloma is a rare disease of abnormal proliferation of Langerhan cells affecting the jaws of young individuals. We report a case of complete regeneration of condyle in a 13 year old boy with eosinophilic granuloma condyle, who had undergone condylectomy.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis of spine: a comparative study of clinical, imaging features, and diagnosis in children, adolescents, and adults

BACKGROUND CONTEXT

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) of the spine has been well documented in the literature, but most studies concern management of the disease. No focused report on the differences in clinical and radiographic features of spinal LCH among children, adolescents, and adults exists.

PURPOSE

To review and stress the clinical and imaging differences of spinal LCH in children, adolescents, and adults to avoid false diagnosis.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study of children and adults with LCH of the spine.

PATIENT SAMPLE

Consecutive patients treated at our institution.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Visual analog scale for pain, Frankel scale for neurologic status, and X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for imaging.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients with pathology-proven LCH involving the spine were treated at our institution between 1996 and 2010. Only patients with spine involvement pathologically and/or radiographically were included. Two groups were identified based on the age. Group I comprised children and adolescents (age <18 years; n=40) and Group II comprised adults (age ≥18 years; n=36). Analysis included age and gender distribution, clinical presentation, and imaging features and diagnosis. Pathologic diagnosis was performed by needle or open biopsy of the lesions.

RESULTS

Of the 76 patients, 55 were male and 21 were female (ratio of 2.62:1). Neck or back pain was the most common symptom in all patients and was the only presenting symptom in some patients. Restricted motion of spine was the most frequent symptom secondary to pain. Thirty-seven patients presented with neurologic symptoms. Adult patients were more likely to suffer neurologic deficits (p<.005). The distribution of lesions revealed predominance in the cervical spine, followed by thoracic and lumbosacral spine. Plain radiology of children and adolescents with spinal LCH usually revealed a typical vertebral plana, but the adult patients represented different severity of vertebral collapse without typical features. The images of CT scans between the two groups were similar, and all revealed lytic lesions in vertebral bodies and/or posterior elements. In Group I, lesions showed hypointense on T1-weighted images in 15 cases and isointense in 25 cases. Nineteen patients presented as intermediate to slight high signal on T2-weighted images, and the remaining patients presented as hyperintense on T2-weighted images. In Group II, lesions showed hypointense on T1-weighted images in 29 cases, isointense on T1-weighted images in seven cases, and hyperintense on T2-weighted images in 36 cases. Paraspinal soft tissue mass was detected in 28 and 23 cases in Group I and Group II, respectively. Fifteen children and adolescent patients versus 23 adult patients had epidural spinal cord compression. Oversleeve-like or dumbbell sign was observed in 21 cases in Group I but only in four cases in Group II.

CONCLUSIONS

The most common clinical manifestations of LCH of the spine were neck or back pain, followed by restricted motion of spine, neurologic symptoms, and deformity. Neurologic deficits were more frequent in adult patients. Vertebral plana is the typical imaging feature in children and adolescent patients but seldom in adults. Computed tomography is best for characterizing anatomy of the involved vertebra, and MRI is best for delineating marrow and soft tissue. The oversleeve-like sign on MRI may be a feature of spinal LCH as well as vertebra plana in children and adolescents. Needle biopsy under CT guidance should be performed before a treatment strategy is determined.

Cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine) in frontline chemotherapy for adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A single-center study of seven cases

BACKGROUND

Adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disorder with diverse clinical manifestations and inconsistent treatment outcomes to conventional therapeutic regimens. Cladribine (2-chlorodeoxyadenosine) repeatedly proved effective in cases of relapsed multifocal and multisystem disease forms. In this retrospective study we present an analysis of cladribine in frontline systemic therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cohort of seven male patients with biopsy proved multisystem (six cases) and multifocal (one case) Langerhans cell histiocytosis received cladribine at a dose of 5 mg/m(2) subcutaneously (five cases) or by two-hour intravenous infusion (two cases) over five consecutive days, every four weeks for a median of four courses (range 4-6). The treatment was enhanced with cyclophosphamide (300 mg intravenously on days 1-5 in cycles 4-6) and corticoids (dexamethasone 24 mg orally or methylprednisolone 250 mg intravenously on days 1-5 in cycles 4-6) in two patients, with radiotherapy (20 Gy on skin or bone lesions) in three patients and with photochemotherapy (psoralen plus ultraviolet A light, PUVA) on skin lesions in one patient.

RESULTS

All patients achieved clinically relevant treatment response confirmed by positron emission tomography (PET). Durable complete remissions were maintained in six patients (86%), including two patients with hypophysis involvement, with the median follow-up of 37 months (range 15-94; 49.8 ± 35.2 [ 6 ]). One patient had an aggressive, early relapsing disease requiring further treatment lines. The treatment-related toxicities consisted of transient bone marrow suppression affecting the leukocytes predominantly. Grade 3 lymphopenia occurred in five patients (71%) and grade 3 neutropenia in one patient (14%).

CONCLUSION

Cladribine, both as a single agent as well as in combination with an alkylating cytostatic and corticoids, represents an effective treatment option with favorable toxicity profile for adult patients with multisystem or aggressive multifocal form of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Therapy prolongation improves outcome in multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH)-III tested risk-adjusted, intensified, longer treatment of multisystem LCH (MS-LCH), for which optimal therapy has been elusive. Stratified by risk organ involvement (high [RO+] or low [RO-] risk groups), > 400 patients were randomized. RO+ patients received 1 to 2 six-week courses of vinblastine+prednisone (Arm A) or vinblastine + prednisone + methotrexate (Arm B). Response triggered milder continuation therapy with the same combinations, plus 6-mercaptopurine, for 12 months total treatment. 6/12-week response rates (mean, 71%) and 5-year survival (84%) and reactivation rates (27%) were similar in both arms. Notably, historical comparisons revealed survival superior to that of identically stratified RO+ patients treated for 6 months in predecessor trials LCH-I (62%) or LCH-II (69%, P < .001), and lower 5-year reactivation rates than in LCH-I (55%) or LCH-II (44%, P < .001). RO- patients received vinblastine+prednisone throughout. Response by 6 weeks triggered randomization to 6 or 12 months total treatment. Significantly lower 5-year reactivation rates characterized the 12-month Arm D (37%) compared with 6-month Arm C (54%, P = .03) or to 6-month schedules in LCH-I (52%) and LCH-II (48%, P < .001). Thus, prolonging treatment decreased RO- patient reactivations in LCH-III, and although methotrexate added no benefit, RO+ patient survival and reactivation rates have substantially improved in the 3 sequential trials. (Trial No. NCT00276757 www.ClinicalTrials.gov).

Sonographic diagnosis and monitoring of localized langerhans cell histiocytosis of the skull

PURPOSE

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an infrequent disorder of unknown origin associated with histiocytic proliferation. The bones' involvement (including cranial bones) is the most frequent manifestation of pediatric LCH. Imaging of skull LCH is based predominantly on conventional radiography, CT, scintigraphy, and sometimes MRI. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of sonography (US) in the diagnosis and monitoring of bone lesions in children with localized LCH of the skull.

METHODS

Twenty-seven children (15 boys/12 girls, mean age 6.1 years) were diagnosed between 1991 and 2005 in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical University of Gdansk, Poland. Fourteen children (52%) had localized LCH of the skull.

RESULTS

All lesions of the skull visible on CT were visualized on US examination. Overall, 30 focal lesions were revealed by US. The largest bone lesions were accompanied by changes within the adjacent soft tissues. CT revealed 26 lesions, the location and size of which corresponded to the lesions seen on US, but soft-tissue changes adjacent to the bony lesions were difficult to visualize.

CONCLUSIONS

The US appearance of focal LCH lesions in cranial bones in children is not pathognomonic, but is characteristic enough to suggest an initial diagnosis and to monitor the evolution of lesions during treatment. US should be considered an additional diagnostic tool for LCH of the skull. Although US of localized LCH cannot replace CT, it could reduce the number of follow-up CT examinations.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting with complicated pneumonia, a case report

We describe a 2 ½ year old boy presenting with fever, abdominal pain and splinter haemorrhages of the nails. On further examination there were signs of pneumonia with pleural effusion. This was treated with mini-thoracotomy, drainage and intravenous antibiotics. Further diagnostic workup for underlying causes showed diffuse cystic lung disease, suggestive of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. This was confirmed on pathology specimens, which showed Langerhans cells in lung tissue, nail bed and skin biopsy samples, indicating multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis. The patient was treated with Prednisone and Vinblastin according to the LCH-III guidelines. In this case report we give a brief description on cystic lung disease in children, Langerhans cell histiocytosis and associated nail abnormalities.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children born 1982-2005 after in vitro fertilization

AIM

In a recent Swedish study, comparing data from the Swedish Cancer Register with the Medical Birth Register including data on IVF, an increased risk of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) was found in children born 1982-2005 after IVF. Here, we aimed to verify the LCH diagnoses and examine whether any special forms of the disease were overrepresented in this population.

METHODS

Medical records for all children with LCH conceived by IVF were acquired and the diagnosis confirmed or discarded. Disease characteristics were compared with data from children diagnosed with LCH 1992-2001 in the Stockholm County.

RESULTS

We verified LCH in seven children born after IVF, all born prior to 2002. These children did not have milder disease forms. The odds ratio (OR) to develop LCH for the whole group born after IVF was 3.2 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-7.3] and for children born before 2002, 5.2 [95% CI, 2.3-11.9], compared with children in Stockholm County 1992-2001.

CONCLUSION

LCH was overrepresented in children born after IVF prior to 2002. Affected children did not have milder disease forms. These findings may be valuable to understand LCH aetiology. Additional studies on a putative correlation between IVF and LCH in the offspring are encouraged.

Clinical profile of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis at a tertiary centre: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To study the varied presentations of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), the differential diagnosis of the varied presentations and the time lag in achieving the diagnosis. Prospective analysis of children diagnosed to have LCH over a period of 51 mo was done. A complete history and physical examination was undertaken in all patients, followed by relevant laboratory and radiological evaluation. Biopsy of the appropriate specimen was done. The extent of the disease was documented, accordingly treated and followed up.

RESULTS

There were 16 children with LCH from October 2005 through December 2009. The age ranged from 8 mo to 72 mo. Diagnosis was confirmed by CD1a/S 100 in 15 children (93.75%). The mean time to arrive at the diagnosis was 9.9 mo. Multisystem disease was documented in 11 (68.75%) children and there were 4 (25.0%) cases of pulmonary LCH. The mean time of follow-up was 14.4 mo (range, 1 mo to 50.6 mo). Most common referral diagnoses in LCH patients was recurrent pneumonia and immunodeficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a need for high index of suspicion for diagnosis of LCH; misdiagnosis is frequent. Pulmonary involvement in children with LCH appears common. It is possibly still underdiagnosed. Nail changes are uncommon, but may act as a marker for multisystem disease. In addition to survival data and analysis of prognostic factors, the prospective collection of data on diverse presentations is essential, along with a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of LCH.

Multifocal intraparenchymal Langerhans' cell histiocytosis concomitant with an arachnoid cyst in a child: case report and review of the literature

Langerhans' cell histiocytosis is a disease usually found in children and characterized by idiopathic proliferation of histiocytes in the reticuloendothelial system. Intracranial Langerhans' cell histiocytosis presenting as multifocal intraparenchymal lesions is very rare. In this article, the authors report on a 4-year-old boy diagnosed with multifocal intraparenchymal Langerhans' cell histiocytosis concomitant with an arachnoid cyst. After a series of laboratory examinations, the right frontal mass was surgically excised. Histological examinations confirmed the diagnosis of intracranial Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. The patient's intracranial hypertension symptoms were alleviated, and the remaining foci were treated by Langerhans' cell histiocytosis-directed standard chemotherapy. At the 8-month follow-up visit, no recurrence of the excised lesion was found, and no change in the size of other lesions was seen. Supratentorial intracerebral lesions with mass effect and enhancement have rarely been described; in this report, the histological features of and therapeutic options for such a case are discussed.

Recurrent and rapidly occurring pericardial tamponade in Erdheim Chester disease

Erdheim Chester disease is a very rare histiocytic disorder characterised by tissue infiltration by lipid laden histiocytes. The most common presentation is bone pains typically involving the long bones. Over time almost 50% of the patients develop extraosseous involvement. The prognosis depends on the extent and distribution of the extraskeletal manifestations. Cardiovascular involvement is seen in up to 40% of the patients and the most common manifestations are periaortic fibrosis and pericardial involvement. Respiratory distress, extensive pulmonary fibrosis, and cardiac failure are the most common causes of death in these patients. Cardiac tamponade has also been documented to cause death in these patients. We describe a patient of Erdheim Chester disease who presented with recurrent and very rapidly occurring cardiac tamponade in a short duration of time and benefited from timely recognition and management.

Congenital self healing reticulohistiocytosis in a newborn (Hashimoto Pritzker)

Congenital self-healing reticulohistiocytosis is the benign spectrum of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, characterized by cutaneous lesions at birth or in the neonatal period, absence of systemic manifestations and spontaneous resolution of clinical status. Despite the benign and often self-resolving course in most patients, studies show that in some cases there may be metastasis or recurrence of the disease, emphasizing that the clinical course is variable, requiring long-term follow-up. The monitoring of the patient for a long period is important to detect possible systemic involvement, as there is a report of recurrence involving the skin, mucosa, bone and pituitary gland.

[Congenital self-healing Langerhans cell histiocytosis]

A male infant, born at term after an uncomplicated pregnancy, presented with multiple red-brown papules and nodules spread over his body. The infant's general condition was not affected and there was no systemic involvement. After only 6 weeks the lesions had healed completely without recurrence. Based on histological and immunohistochemical findings, the clinical appearance and the self-healing course, the diagnosis of congenital self-healing Langerhans cell histiocytosis was established.

Fine-needle cytology of cutaneous juvenile xanthogranuloma and langerhans cell histiocytosis

BACKGROUND

In pediatric patients, a cutaneous nodule is usually diagnosed by performing an excisional biopsy, but fine-needle cytology (FNC) is a safer and noninvasive diagnostic method widely used to obtain diagnostic specimens with little stress to the patient. The authors compared the ability of FNC and biopsy to differentiate Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) from juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG).

METHODS

Correlating cytological results with histological findings, the authors reviewed 27 patients (15 males and 12 females; mean age, 37 months; range, 1 month to 14 years) admitted to the University of Padua Department of Pediatrics from 1998 to 2010.

RESULTS

Cytology smears were adequate in all 27 (100%) patients: 14 (52%) were classified as having JXG, 12 (44%) as having LCH, and 1 (4%) as having a doubtful finding. A biopsy was also performed in 20 of these patients, and in all but 1, the 2 methods were completely concordant.

CONCLUSIONS

FNC is safe and useful in the diagnostic workup of pediatric patients with cutaneous nodules and has no contraindications to its use as the initial diagnostic procedure.

Incidence and pattern of radiological central nervous system Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children: a population based study

BACKGROUND

Patients with Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) may develop neurodegeneration and other central nervous system (CNS) dysfunctions revealed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We estimated the incidence and pattern of pathological brain MRI findings in a well-defined, population-based cohort of children with LCH.

METHODS

Among children under 15 years of age diagnosed with LCH in the Stockholm County during 1992-2001, brain MRI was performed at a single center in children with clinical and/or laboratory signs of CNS involvement, including endocrine dysfunction.

RESULTS

Out of the 29 children (16 males, 13 females) diagnosed with LCH, brain MRI was performed based on clinical indications in 16 children (55%) with either abnormal endocrine findings (n = 6), such as diabetes insipidus (n = 5), low IGF-1 (n = 1), or panhypopituitarism (n = 1), or clinical CNS symptoms (n = 10). CNS MRI abnormalities were demonstrated in eight children (28%), at a median time of 3.5 years after LCH diagnosis (range 1-11.4 years). Altogether 7 of the 29 children (24%) had MRI findings associated with neurodegeneration, corresponding to a minimal incidence of 2.1/10(6) children per year. Neurodegenerative abnormalities tended to be more frequent in patients with craniofacial involvement (P = 0.12).

CONCLUSIONS

The minimal annual incidence rate of neurodegenerative associated radiographic findings in LCH is estimated at 2.1/10(6) children (24% of all children with LCH). An important question is whether all patients with LCH, or certain forms of LCH, should be recommended for a late follow-up examination including MRI. In patients with CNS-LCH, neurological, neuropsychological, neurophysiological, neurochemical and neuroradiological follow-up assessment is suggested.

From idiopathic diabetes insipidus to neurodegenerative Langerhans cell histiocytosis--an unusual presentation and progression of disease

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is rare in childhood and has a wide-ranging aetiology including the involvement of uncontrolled proliferation of dendritic cells in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, characteristic of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH). DI may manifest as a sequela of multisystem LCH disease involving skin, bone, liver, spleen and lymph nodes. In very rare cases patients diagnosed with LCH exhibit neurodegenerative changes, such as severe ataxia, tremor, dysarthria and intellectual impairment. We report a 2 1/2-year-old boy who presented initially with apparent idiopathic DI, developed anterior pituitary hormone deficiency and progressive neurological deterioration secondary to neurodegenerative LCH.

A patient with lichen sclerosus, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva

We report a patient with vulvar lichen sclerosus, Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), and later vulvar cancer. In LCH, high amounts of non functional Langerhans cells are present in the affected tissue, making it possible that LCH may have contributed to vulvar cancer development in this patient.

Eosinophilic granuloma of spine in adults: a report of 30 cases and outcome

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) of the spine is rare, especially in adults. There had been few large and long-term studies reported in the literature. The management goals of this disease in adults are preservation of neurologic function, relief of pain and reconstruction of spinal stability. However, there are still controversies over appropriate management modality of eosinophilic granuloma.

METHODS

Clinical manifestations, radiographic presentations, therapeutic outcomes and follow-up findings of 30 adults who were histiologically diagnosed with spinal eosinophilic granuloma, including 28 patients who received surgical treatment at our institutions from 1985 to 2008 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

There were 25 males and five females with a mean age of 34.5 years (range, 18-71 years). The post-operative follow-up period ranged from 2 to 22.4 years (mean, 8.3 years). Neurologic deficits developed in 21 patients, apparent kyphosis developed in four cases. In contrast to the classic feature of vertebra plana in children, we found that more severe lesions often led to asymmetric collapse in adult patients and only three patients presented with vertebra plana. Thirty-three vertebral lesions distributed throughout the spine column. Twenty-one lesions were in cervical spine, seven in the thoracic spine and five in the lumbar spine. Twenty-eight adult patients underwent surgical resection with or without chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and four (13.3%) patients had recurrence after surgery. No patient in our series died.

CONCLUSIONS

The onset of spinal EG is insidious and mainly presents as osteolytic destruction. There is a particular high prevalence of lesions in the cervical spine and more severe lesions often led to asymmetric collapse. As the skeleton of adults is well-developed and the epiphysis has stopped growing, individualized management including surgical intervention should be considered in adult patients with spinal EG who present with neurological damage and spinal instability.