Recurrence of recipient Langerhans' cell histiocytosis following bilateral lung transplantation

Recurrence of primary disease following lung transplantation

Lung transplant has become definitive treatment for patients with several end-stage lung diseases. Since the first attempted lung transplantation in 1963, survival has significantly improved due to advancement in immunosuppression, organ procurement, ex vivo lung perfusion, surgical techniques, prevention of chronic lung allograft dysfunction and bridging to transplant using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Despite a steady increase in number of lung transplantations each year, there is still a huge gap between demand and supply of organs available, and work continues to select recipients with potential for best outcomes. According to review of the literature, there are some rare primary diseases that may recur following transplantation. As the number of lung transplants increase, we continue to identify disease processes at highest risk for recurrence, thus shaping our future approaches. While the aim of lung transplantation is improving survival and quality of life, choosing the best recipients is crucial due to a shortage of donated organs. Here we discuss the common disease processes that recur and highlight its impact on overall outcome following lung transplantation.

This article reviews the underlying conditions leading to lung transplant with potential for recurrence and the impact of such recurrences on the overall outcome following transplanthttps://bit.ly/3v3gSvJ

Paediatric pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Paediatric pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (pPLCH) is a rare diffuse cystic lung disease. Unlike pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in adults, which is often seen as an isolated condition with smoking being a major risk factor, isolated pPLCH is vanishingly rare in children and it is most often a component of multisystem LCH. Diagnosis should be based on histological and immunophenotypic examination of affected tissue in addition to clinical and radiological features. It should be considered an important differential for diffuse cystic lung disease in paediatric patients. Recent progress in the biological understanding of the disease supports the classification of LCH as an inflammatory myeloid neoplasia. Chemotherapy and specific management of respiratory complications are the mainstays of treatment. The lungs are no longer considered a "risk organ" in LCH as pulmonary involvement is not associated with a worse prognosis than the involvement of other organs. Multidisciplinary treatment approaches are needed. Prognosis can be good but is adversely influenced by multisystem involvement, and complications such as pneumothoraces and respiratory failure can be life threatening. This review aims to give an overview of this condition, with a focus on the diagnosis, monitoring and management of complications such as pneumothoraces and respiratory failure, which can be challenging for the paediatric respiratory specialist.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS

To give an overview of paediatric pulmonary LCH.To discuss the differential diagnosis of paediatric cystic lung disease.

MAPK mutations and cigarette smoke promote the pathogenesis of pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare smoking-related lung disease characterized by dendritic cell (DC) accumulation, bronchiolocentric nodule formation, and cystic lung remodeling. Approximately 50% of patients with PLCH harbor somatic BRAF-V600E mutations in cells of the myeloid/monocyte lineage. However, the rarity of the disease and lack of animal models have impeded the study of PLCH pathogenesis. Here, we establish a cigarette smoke-exposed (CS-exposed) BRAF-V600E-mutant mouse model that recapitulates many hallmark characteristics of PLCH. We show that CD11c-targeted expression of BRAF-V600E increases DC responsiveness to stimuli, including the chemokine CCL20, and that mutant cell accumulation in the lungs of CS-exposed mice is due to both increased cellular viability and enhanced recruitment. Moreover, we report that the chemokine CCL7 is secreted from DCs and human peripheral blood monocytes in a BRAF-V600E-dependent manner, suggesting a possible mechanism for recruitment of cells known to dominate PLCH lesions. Inflammatory lesions and airspace dilation in BRAF-V600E mice in response to CS are attenuated by transitioning animals to filtered air and treatment with a BRAF-V600E inhibitor, PLX4720. Collectively, this model provides mechanistic insights into the role of myelomonocytic cells and the BRAF-V600E mutation and CS exposure in PLCH pathogenesis and provides a platform to develop biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis "de novo" after lung transplantation

A pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis is presented in a 40 year-old woman two years after bilateral lung transplantation for emphysema without any signs of Langerhans cells proliferation in the explanted lungs. A microsatellite molecular analysis showed the proliferating cells were generated in a recipient cellular clone. The patient did not quit smoking after transplantation. No signs of disease were detected in the implanted lungs before surgery. Strict control of immunosupressive drug levels stabilized the disease. A "de novo" monoclonal origin of stem cells, probably from the bone marrow is suggested. The reason she did not develop disease in the native lungs is unknown, although we suggest an interaction between tobacco or some other antigens and local cellular receptors.

Comparison of vindesine and prednisone and cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vindesine, and prednisone as first-line treatment for adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A single-center retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

We compared the efficacy and clinical outcomes of vindesine and prednisone (VP) and cyclophosphamide, etoposide, vindesine, and prednisone (CEVP) regimens as first-line treatment for multisystem (MS) or multifocal single system (SS-m) adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).

METHOD

Clinical features, treatment response, and survival of adults with Langerhans cell histiocytosis treated at our center from January 2001 to January 2015 were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

Forty-five adult MS or SS-m LCH patients were treated (N=31, CEVP group; N=14, VP group). Both treatment groups had similar gender distributions, patient ages, and extent of disease. The non-active disease rate for both groups was 70.0% and 64.3% (P=0.775), respectively. Median follow-up was 74.9 (range: 2.8-183.6) months and recurrence rates were 71.0% and 78.6% (P=0.593), respectively. The need for second-line therapy was 64.5% and 71.4% (P=0.649), respectively, and mortality rates were 9.7% and 15.4% (P=0.586), respectively. Neutropenia occurred in 48.4% of CEVP-treated patients and 7.1% of VP-treated patients (P=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

CEVP or VP regimens for the treatment of adult SS-m or MS LCH showed similar efficacies, and both regimens were associated with high disease recurrence and the need for second-line therapy.

Lung transplantation for hypersensitivity pneumonitis

BACKGROUND

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) is an inhaled antigen-mediated interstitial lung disease (ILD). Advanced disease may necessitate the need for lung transplantation. There are no published studies addressing lung transplant outcomes in HP. We characterized HP outcomes compared with referents undergoing lung transplantation for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

METHODS

To identify HP cases, we reviewed records for all ILD lung transplantation cases at our institution from 2000 to 2013. We compared clinical characteristics, survival, and acute and chronic rejection for lung transplant recipients with HP to referents with IPF. We also reviewed diagnoses of HP discovered only by explant pathology and looked for evidence of recurrent HP after transplant. Survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier methods and Cox proportional hazard modeling.

RESULTS

We analyzed 31 subjects with HP and 91 with IPF among 183 cases undergoing lung transplantation for ILD. Survival at 1, 3, and 5 years after lung transplant in HP compared with IPF was 96%, 89%, and 89% vs 86%, 67%, and 49%, respectively. Subjects with HP manifested a reduced adjusted risk for death compared with subjects with IPF (hazard ratio, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.08-0.74; P = .013). Of the 31 cases, the diagnosis of HP was unexpectedly made at explant in five (16%). Two subjects developed recurrent HP in their allografts.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, subjects with HP have excellent medium-term survival after lung transplantation and, relative to IPF, a reduced risk for death. HP may be initially discovered only by review of the explant pathology. Notably, HP may recur in the allograft.

Pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis: case series and literature review

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare disease with insidious onset and nonspecific manifestations. The objective of this article was to characterize the clinical manifestations and features of PLCH by retrospectively analyzing clinical data of patients with PLCH in addition to simultaneous review of literature.A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of patients with PLCH (n = 7), whose conditions were diagnosed by biopsy from pulmonary tissue (n = 6) or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck (n = 1) and confirmed by PLCH typical radiological features on computed tomography (CT) scan, between January 2001 and September 2012 at the Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. The review of published reports was made to further emphasize the clinical manifestation and radiological features of PLCH.Long history of cigarette smoking was found in 6 patients. Two patients had recurrent pneumothorax and the other 2 had pulmonary arterial hypertension (World Health Organization group 5 pulmonary hypertension), diagnosed through ultrasonic cardiogram. The nodular shadows were revealed by chest CT scan in 5 patients, cystic shadows in 5 patients, and reticular shadows in 2 patients, as major manifestations, respectively; most of the lesions were located in the middle or upper segments of the lung. The obvious shrank of lesion was found in 1 patient after completely quitting smoking.The pathogenesis of PLCH might be closely associated with smoking. The cystic or nodular lesion was the typical radiological features. Further prospective studies with large sample size are required to further validate the study results and understand the clinical characteristics of PLCH to avoid misdiagnosis.

Smoking-related interstitial lung diseases

Cigarette smoke, a toxic collection of thousands of chemicals generated from combustion of tobacco, is recognized as the primary causative agent of certain diffuse interstitial and bronchiolar lung diseases. Most patients afflicted with these disorders are cigarette smokers, and smoking cessation has been shown to be capable of inducing disease remission and should occupy a pivotal role in the management of all smokers with these diffuse lung diseases. The role of pharmacotherapy with corticosteroids or other immunomodulating agents is not well established but may be considered in patients with progressive forms of smoking-related interstitial lung diseases.

Challenges in pulmonary fibrosis. 3: Cystic lung disease

Cystic lung disease is a frequently encountered problem caused by a diverse group of diseases. Distinguishing true cystic lung disease from other entities, such as cavitary lung disease and emphysema, is important given the differing prognostic implications. In this paper the features of the cystic lung diseases are reviewed and contrasted with their mimics, and the clinical and radiographic features of both diffuse (pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis and lymphangioleiomyomatosis) and focal or multifocal cystic lung disease are discussed.

Lung Transplantation for Pulmonary Langerhans' Cell Histiocytosis: A Multicenter Analysis

BACKGROUND

Lung transplantation (LT) may represent a therapeutic option in case of advanced pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (PLCH). Little is known however about the characteristics of the patients considered for LT or its results.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective multicenter study by questionnaire on 39 patients who underwent LT for end-stage PLCH at seven centers in France.

RESULTS

Of the 39 patients, 15 received single lung transplantation, 15 double lung transplantation and 9 heart-lung transplantation. At evaluation, extrapulmonary involvement was present in 31% of the patients, pulmonary hypertension (PAPm>25 mm Hg) was observed in 92% of cases and was moderate-to-severe (PAPm> or =35 mm Hg) in 72.5%. The survival was 76.9% at 1 year, 63.6% at 2 years, 57.2% at 5 years, and 53.7% at 10 years. Recurrence of the disease occurred in eight cases (20.5%) with no impact on the survival rate. The sole risk factor for recurrence of the disease was the presence of preoperative extrapulmonary involvement.

CONCLUSION

Severe pulmonary hypertension is a common feature in patients with end-stage PLCH. Given the good postransplant survival rate and despite a recurrence rate of the disease of approximately 20% after LT, we conclude that LT is a therapeutic option in this setting.

Recurrent sarcoidosis in lung transplant allografts: granulomas are of recipient origin

INTRODUCTION

Sarcoidosis accounts for only 2.8% of lung transplants in the United States. It is, however, the most commonly reported disease to recur after lung transplantation. In most cases, recurrence is diagnosed as an incidental finding in transbronchial lung allograft biopsy (TBLAB) and is unrelated to clinical or radiologic abnormalities. The origin of the histiocytes composing the noncaseating granulomas in the allograft lung in patients with recurrent sarcoidosis (RS) was analyzed using DNA identity testing in 4 cases.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Native lung resections and corresponding transbronchial biopsies from patients who underwent lung transplantation for sarcoidosis between 1990 and 2004 and who developed RS were gathered from the paraffin block archives of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Clinical parameters including age, sex, grade of rejection, number of episodes of RS, and follow-up were recorded. Native lungs and corresponding TBLAB showing granulomas consistent with RS were microdissected in cases where adequate material was available. DNA was extracted, and an ABI AmpflSTR commercial kit was used to simultaneously amplify 15 short tandem repeat (STR) loci as well as 1 marker for the XY chromosomes. The informative STR loci in native lung (pure recipient), nongranulomatous donor lung, and granulomas in donor lung were analyzed in 4 patients. The relative proportion of donor and recipient cells in the chimera was quantified using the fluorescence intensity of each peak on an electropherogram. FISH analysis using probes targeted to X and Y chromosomes was performed in a case of sex-mismatched lung transplantation.

RESULTS

Eight patients with RS were identified. Two had bilateral lung transplantation, and the remaining 6 had single-lung transplantation. The age at transplantation ranged between 39 and 53. Five were females and 3 were men. Recurrent disease was diagnosed in 1 to 11 biopsies per patient and occurred first in the first 6 months following transplantation in 2 cases (25%), between 6 months and 1 year in 2 other cases (25%), and between 1 and 2 years in 4 cases (50%). In 4 patients, sufficient material allowed for DNA analysis. Amplification failed in 1 of the 4 cases, while the other 3 were successful. Patient 1 showed no ACR and granulomatous inflammation of RS in TBLAB. Donor (D) to recipient (R) profile changed from "normal" donor lung (37% D, 63% R) to 15% D and 85% R DNA in the granuloma. In patient 2, the TBLAB showed minimal ACR and granulomatous inflammation. D to R profile changed from 75% D and 25% R in the "normal" D lung to 54% D and 46% R in the granuloma. Patient 3 showed no ACR and RS in TBLAB. D to R profile changed from 85% D and 15% R in the "normal" D lung to 71% D and 29% R in the granuloma. FISH analysis showed a predominance of male cells of recipient origin.

CONCLUSIONS

DNA analysis of 3 cases of RS suggests that the presence of recurrent granulomas in the graft is associated with an increase in the percentage of recipient DNA in the epithelioid cell clusters, as confirmed by the FISH analysis of 1 case.

Recurrence of Pulmonary Veno-occlusive Disease After Heart-Lung Transplantation

Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, a rare cause of pulmonary hypertension, is characterized by extensive and diffuse occlusion of pulmonary veins by fibrous tissue. Although the diagnosis can be suspected by the presence of the classic clinical triad of severe pulmonary arterial hypertension, radiographic evidence of pulmonary hypertension and edema, and normal pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, the definitive diagnosis is histopathologic. The prognosis of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease is poor with most described patients dying within 2 years of diagnosis. Although anti-coagulation, oxygen, and vasodilator therapies are effective temporarily, the definitive treatment is lung transplantation. We describe the recurrence of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease at 3 months after heart-lung transplantation in a 26-year-old man. Recurrence after transplantation for this disease has not been reported previously, and lung transplantation was thought to be definitive treatment. With this 1st report of early recurrence of pulmonary veno-occlusive disease after heart-lung transplantation, we believe that extrapulmonary factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of this rare disease.

Lung transplantation for interstitial lung disease

Lung transplantation remains the only therapeutic option shown to improve survival for many end-stage interstitial lung diseases. Although idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is the most common indication, transplantation has been performed for many other diseases. This article reviews the current indications and outcomes for the procedure and problems encountered in lung transplantation for interstitial lung diseases. The role of transplant for specific diseases also is discussed.

Recurrence of Pulmonary Emphysema in an α-1 Proteinase Inhibitor-deficient Lung Transplant Recipient

Several types of primary disease may recur after lung transplantation, but recurrence of pulmonary emphysema has so far never been published. We report the case of a 49-year-old white male who underwent single lung transplantation for emphysema related to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and to superimposed smoking. The postoperative course was complicated by several rejection episodes. Subsequently, the patient remained stable without evidence of graft dysfunction for more than 10 years, but he resumed light smoking at 8 years after transplant. At 11 years after transplant, although the patient was still asymptomatic and had a stable lung function, recurrence of emphysema on the grafted side was diagnosed on computerized tomography of the thorax. One year later, the patient began to experience a moderate decline in lung function. Two separate bronchoalveolar lavages performed after the onset of the recurrence disclosed a significant elastolytic activity related to neutrophil serine-elastase in lavage fluid. In summary, we describe a case of recurrence of pulmonary emphysema in a patient with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The resumption of smoking has probably played a central role in the presence of elastolytic activity in lavage fluid and in the recurrence of emphysema.

Langerhans cell histiocytosis in adults. Report from the International Registry of the Histiocyte Society

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), characterised by the infiltration of one or more organs by large mononuclear cells, can develop in persons of any age. Although the features of this disease are well described in children, they remain poorly defined in adults. From January 2000 to June 2001, 274 adults from 13 countries, with biopsy-proven adult LCH, were registered with the International Histiocyte Society Registry. Information was collected about clinical presentation, family history, associated conditions, cigarette smoking and treatment, to assist in future management decisions in patients aged 18 years and older. There were slightly more males than females (143:126), and the mean ages at the onset and diagnosis of disease were 33 years (standard deviation (S.D.) 15 years) and 35 years (S.D. 14 years), respectively. 2 patients had consanguineous parents, and 1 had a family history of LCH; 129 reported smoking (47.1%); 17 (6.2%) had been diagnosed with different types of cancer. Single-system LCH, found in 86 patients (31.4%), included isolated pulmonary involvement in 44 cases; 188 patients (68.6%) had multisystem disease; 81 (29.6%) had diabetes insipidus. Initial treatment consisted of vinblastine administered with or without steroids, to 82 patients (29.9%), including 9 who had received it with etoposide, which was the sole agent given to 19 patients. 236 patients were considered evaluable for survival. At a median follow-up of 28 months from diagnosis, 15 patients (6.4%) had died (death rate, 1.5/100 person years, 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI) 0.9-2.4). The probability of survival at 5 years postdiagnosis was 92.3% (95% CI 85.6-95.9) overall, 100% for patients with single-system disease (n=37), 87.8% (95% CI 54.9-97.2) for isolated pulmonary disease (n=34), and 91.7% (95% CI 83.6-95.9) for multisystem disease (n=163). Survival did not differ significantly among patients with multisystem disease, with or without liver or lung involvement) 5-year survival 93.6% (95% CI 84.7-97.4) versus 87.5% (95% CI 65.5-95.9), respectively; P value 0.1). LCH in adults is most often a multisystem disease with the highest mortality seen in patients with isolated pulmonary involvement. It should be included in the differential diagnosis of disseminated or localised disease of the bone, skin and mucosa, as well as the lung and the endocrine and central nervous system, regardless of the age of the patient. A prospective international therapeutic study is warranted.

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis: emerging concepts in pathobiology, radiology, and clinical evolution of disease

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is an uncommon disorder of adult smokers associated with a significant morbidity. Arising from the aberrant accumulation of Langerhans and other immune cells, PLCH tends to cause a relatively isolated pulmonary involvement as compared to other forms of Langerhans cell (LC) and histiocytic disorders. Increased knowledge of cytokine triggers, dendritic cell trafficking, and clonality of LC populations in PLCH have resulted in an improved understanding of the pathobiology of PLCH. High-resolution CT (HRCT) of the chest has led to better appreciation of nodular and cystic radiographic abnormalities characteristic of the disease. Correlation of HRCT abnormalities with lung pathologic changes has led to an improved comprehension of clinical evolution of PLCH. Current clinical predictors for PLCH outcomes remain poor, although long-term follow-up and radiologic monitoring may help to define disease progression. This review discusses advances in PLCH emphasizing the etiopathologic bases of the disease and currently available radiologic modalities for monitoring disease progression.

[Adult pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis]

INTRODUCTION

Adult pulmonary Langerhans'cell histiocytosis, also referred to as histiocytosis X, is a disorder of unknown etiology which affects preferentially young smokers. The disease is characterized by granulomatous lesions which progressively invade and destroy distal airways, leading to the formation of characteristic cicatricial kystic lesions. Florid granulomas contain numerous Langerhans'cells, antigen-presenting cells of the dendritic cell lineage, associated with T lymphocytes and eosinophils. The diagnosis rests on the combination of clinical and radiologic data, and particularly on high-resolution CT scan findings showing a typical association of nodular and cystic changes, predominantly in the upper and middle lobes. Further evaluation with surgical lung biopsy is indicated in less typical situations.

CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS

The pathogenesis of Langerhans'cell histiocytosis is not fully understood, but several arguments suggest that the disease results from an abnormal immune reaction initiated by Langerhans'cells and directed against the bronchial epithelium. Other arguments suggest the presence of genetic abnormalities susceptible, for example, to increase the sensitivity of these cells to cytokines (GM-CSF, or others) known to influence their survival and maturation.

FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS

These recent advances in the pathogenesis of Langerhans'cell histiocytosis could promote the development of new therapeutic strategies designed to regulate the number and activated state of Langerhans'cells in specific lesions.

Lung transplantation in interstitial lung disease

Interstitial lung disease is a heterogeneous group of illnesses, some of which may progress to a fibrosing stage and cause respiratory failure. For selected candidates, lung transplantation is the ultimate therapeutic option. We review data on lung transplantation for various interstitial lung diseases. We address indications, procedures, and outcomes for patients undergoing transplantation. Unique issues affecting morbidity, mortality, and recurrence of disease are discussed. We review the literature of transplantation for specific interstitial lung diseases and the outcomes of transplantation for interstitial lung diseases. Candidates with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis experience high mortality on the waiting list, but derive significant survival benefit from lung transplantation. Recurrence is reported for several interstitial lung diseases after lung transplantation. Survival with lung transplantation for interstitial lung diseases is comparable with that attained in recipients with other indications. Lung transplantation is a well-tolerated, effective therapy for respiratory failure in interstitial lung disease.

Frequency and CT findings of recurrent disease after lung transplantation

PURPOSE

To determine the frequency and computed tomographic (CT) findings of recurrence of the primary disease after lung transplantation at six North American lung transplantation centers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records of 1,394 lung transplant recipients were reviewed to identify patients with recurrent primary disease. Their CT scans and pathologic specimens were reviewed.

RESULTS

The frequency of disease recurrence in the six transplantation centers was 1% (15 of 1,394 patients), including six previously reported cases. Sarcoidosis recurred in nine (35%) of 26 transplants and was the most common disease to recur. Three (33%) of nine patients with recurrent sarcoidosis had correlative findings at CT. When present, CT findings were usually different at recurrence compared with pretransplantation CT findings.

CONCLUSION

A relatively small percentage of patients are at risk for recurrence of primary disease following lung transplantation. Sarcoidosis is the most common disease to recur.

Rare single system diseases

There are many rare conditions to be found in textbooks of respiratory paediatrics which are often difficult to place in to any standard form of classification. The expertise of any single paediatrician or centre in the management of such problems is inevitably limited, and so treatment is never "evidence based" but depends on individual experience and information contained in case reports or small series in the literature. The investigation and management of such cases is often complex and should be performed in large regional centres. In this article we will discuss pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis, disorders of the lymphatic system, lymphoid bronchiolitis and pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis.