Resorption of the mandibular condyle in a 6-year-old child

Outcome of Surgery as Sole Treatment of Eosinophilic Granuloma of Jaws

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is characterized by the congregation of proliferating langerhans cells (LC). Langerhans cells are a part of dendritic cell system of primary immune response that is responsible for presenting antigen to lymphocytes. Being a rare disease, the total incidence of LCH is reported to be 1 in 2 million people. LCH mainly affects children and young adults, with a slight male predilection. LCH is clinically divided into three groups namely Letter-Siwe disease (multiple multi organ affecting LCH at very young age), Hand-Schuler-Christian disease (LCH of bone involvement exophthalmos and diabetes insipidus), and Eosinophilic granuloma (LCH of bone, solitary or multiple). The extent of involvement influences the treatment planning. In this retrospective study, we survey five patients with eosinophilic granuloma in jaws (bony LCH). The diagnosis was confirmed by tissue biopsy and histopathologic examination. Surgery and curettage of the lesions were carried out under general or local anesthesia. After surgery, the patients were examined clinically every 6 month in the first year and then once in a year. The overall outcome was excellent. According to the results, it can be concluded that surgical curettage of localized eosinophilic granuloma is an appropriate and sufficient treatment.

Long-term treatment of Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the mandibular condyle with indomethacin

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) most commonly occurs as a localized solitary bone lesion and appears predominantly in pediatric patients. LCH is characterized by the proliferation and accumulation of Langerhans cells which may cause pain and adjacent soft-tissue swelling. This disease is of clinical importance to dental professionals because LCH commonly involves the oral and maxillofacial region and early symptoms can be manifested in the jaw and, when overlooked, may result in extensive destruction of the involved structures. Considering the fact that this is a relatively rare entity, close investigation of the cases that are encountered are warranted. Herein we report a case of LCH occurring in the left condyle of an 11-year-old boy that initially showed clinical symptoms mimicking an abscess of the temporomandibular joint. The clinical and radiographic features, differential diagnosis, treatment, and long-term follow-up of this patient with indomethacin are presented.