Pulmonary and ophthalmic involvement with Erdheim-Chester disease: a case report and review of the literature

Solitary Radiolucent Erdheim-chester Disease: A Case Report and Literature Review

Background:

Erdheim-chester disease (ECD) is a rare non-Langerhans histiocytosis of unknown etiology, which typically presents with bilateral symmetric osteosclerosis and multi-organ involvement. Lesions may be intraosseous or extraosseous and involve the heart, pulmonary system, CNS, and skin in order of decreasing likelihood.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to discuss a case of erdheim-chester disease and conduct a review of the literature.

Case:

We describe a rare case of erdheim-chester in an asymptomatic 37-year-old male who was diagnosed after suffering a right ulnar injury. Subsequent evaluation revealed a solitary radiolucent ulnar lesion without multi-system involvement.

Results & Conclusion:

The case is unique in its solitary distribution, lytic radiographic appearance, and asymptomatic presentation preceding pathologic fracture. This presentation may simulate multiple other bone lesions.

Isolated thoracic intramedullary Erdheim-Chester disease presenting with paraplegia: a case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare, idiopathic, systemic non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving long bone and visceral organs. Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is uncommon and most cases develop as a part of systemic disease. We present a rare case of variant ECD as an isolated intramedullary tumor.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 75-year-old female patient with a medical history of diabetes and hypertension presented with sudden-onset flaccid paraparesis for 1 day. Neurological examination revealed grade 2-3 weakness in both legs, decreased deep tendon reflex, loss of anal tone, and numbness below T4. Leg weakness deteriorated to G1 before surgery. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) showed an intramedullary mass lesion at T2-T4 with no systemic lesion, which was heterogeneous enhancement pattern with cord swelling and edema from C7 to T6. Gross total removal was achieved for the white-gray-colored and soft-natured intramedullary mass lesion with an ill-defined boundary. Histological finding revealed benign histiocytic proliferation with foamy histiocytes and uniform nuclei. We concluded it as an isolated intramedullary ECD. The patient showed self-standing and walkable at 18-month with no evidence of recurrence and new lesion on spine MRI and whole-body FDG-PET/CT until sudden occurrence of unknown originated thoracic cord infarction.

CONCLUSIONS

We experienced an extremely rare case of isolated intramedullary ECD, which was controlled by surgical resection with no adjuvant therapy. Histological examination is the most important for final diagnosis, and careful serial follow-up after surgical resection is required to identify the recurrence and progression to systemic disease.

Erdheim-Chester Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of non-Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis characterized by xanthogranulomatous infiltration of foamy histiocytes surrounded by fibrosis. ECD may be asymptomatic or present as a multi-systemic disease with life-threatening manifestations, most commonly involving the skeletal system. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrates cells that are CD68+, CD1a–, and S100– with an absence of Birbeck granules. We report a case of a 69-year old male patient who presented with neurological symptoms – eventually thought to be separate to his diagnosis of ECD. It represents the ability to diagnose ECD based just on radiological findings in an otherwise asymptomatic individual.

The role of macrophages in interstitial lung diseases

The finding of collections of macrophages/histiocytes in lung biopsy and bronchoalveolar lavage is relatively common in routine practice. This morphological feature in itself is pathological, but the exact clinical significance and underlying disease should be evaluated together with clinical data, functional respiratory and laboratory tests and imaging studies.

Morphological characteristics of macrophages and their distribution along the different pulmonary structures should be examined carefully by pathologists. Indeed, haemosiderin-laden macrophages are associated with smoking-related diseases when pigment is fine and distribution is bronchiolocentric, while alveolar haemorrhage or pneumoconiosis are the main concerns when pigment is chunky or coarse and the macrophages show an intra-alveolar or perilymphatic location, respectively. In the same way, pulmonary accumulation of macrophages with foamy cytoplasm is generally associated with pathologies leading to broncho-bronchiolar obstruction (e.g.diffuse panbronchiolitis, hypersensitivity pneumonia or cryptogenic organising pneumonia) or alternatively to exogenous lipoid pneumonia, some drug toxicity (e.g.amiodarone exposure or toxicity) and metabolic disorders (e.g.type B Niemann–Pick disease).

This pathology-based perspectives article is aimed at concisely describing the diagnostic possibilities when faced with collection of macrophages in lung biopsy and cytology.

The First Reported Case of Erdheim-Chester Disease in Egypt with Bilateral Exophthalmos, Loss of Vision, and Multi-Organ Involvement in a Young Woman

Patient: Female, 19

Final Diagnosis: Erdheim-Chester disease

Symptoms: Exophthalmos, orthopnea

Medication: Prednisolone • azathioprine

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Internal Medicine

Cardiovascular Involvement in Erdheim-Chester Disease: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare, multiorgan, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of uncertain origin, characterized by systemic xanthogranulomatous infiltration from CD68+CD1a- histiocytes. Skeletal involvement is present in up to 96% of cases with bilateral osteosclerosis of meta-diaphysis of long bones. Furthermore, in more than 50% of cases there is 1 extraskeletal manifestation. In this case report, we describe an interesting case of ECD with an extensive pan-cardiac and vascular involvement, in addition to skeletal, retro-orbital, and retroperitoneum one.A 44-year-old woman with a long history of exophthalmos referred to our hospital for elective surgical orbital decompression. At preoperative examinations a large pericardial effusion was discovered. Echocardiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) described an inhomogeneous mass involving pericardium and the right heart, abdominal aorta and its main branches and the retroperitoneum, suggestive for a systemic inflammatory disorder. Histological examination on a biopsy sample confirmed the diagnosis of ECD. Radiology showed the pathognomonic long-bone involvement. Surgical orbital decompression was performed and medical therapy with interferon-α (INF-α) was started.Among extraskeletal manifestations of ECD, cardiovascular involvement is often asymptomatic and thus under-diagnosed but linked to poor prognosis. This is why clinician should always look for it when a new case of ECD is diagnosed.

Erdheim-Chester Disease: a comprehensive review of the literature

Erdheim-Chester Disease (ECD) is a rare form of non Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. Individuals affected by this disease are typically adults between their 5th and 7th decades of life. Males and females are almost equally affected. The multi systemic form of ECD is associated with significant morbidity, which may arise due to histiocytic infiltration of critical organ systems. Among the more common sites of involvement are the skeleton, central nervous system, cardiovascular system, lungs, kidneys (retroperitoneum) and skin. The most common presenting symptom of ECD is bone pain. The etiology of ECD is unknown yet thought to be associated with an intense TH1 immune response. It may also be associated with the V600E BRAF mutation, as described in as many as half of the patients in recent studies. Bilateral symmetric increased tracer uptake on ^99mTc bone scintigraphy affecting the periarticular regions of the long bones is highly suggestive of ECD. However, definite diagnosis of ECD is established only once CD68(+), CD1a(−) histiocytes are identified within a biopsy specimen. At present, this obscure ailment embodies numerous challenges to medical science. Given its rarity, it is diagnostically elusive and requires a high level of clinical suspicion. Therapeutically, it is of limited alternatives. Currently, interferon-α is the most extensively studied agent in the treatment of ECD and serves as the first line of treatment. Treatment with other agents is based on anecdotal case reports and on the basis of biological rationale. Nevertheless, cladribine (2CDA), anakinra and vemurafenib are currently advocated as promising second line treatments for patients whose response to interferon-α is unsatisfactory. Overall, the 5 year survival of ECD is 68%. Herein, the authors mustered and brought about a panoramic consolidation of all the relevant facts regarding ECD. This work highlights the different clinical, radiological and pathological manifestations associated with ECD, the differential diagnoses, the various treatment options and the acknowledged science explaining the disease.

Pulmonary IgG4+ Rosai-Dorfman disease

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare non-malignant proliferation of histiocytes of unknown aetiology that mainly affects lymph nodes. Here we report a case of RDD that presented a diagnostic dilemma due to its atypical presentation and the overlap with IgG4 disease. Our case presented with interstitial lung involvement without lymphadenopathy. Open lung biopsy suggested the diagnosis of RDD. However, the predominant IgG4 positive plasma cells together with the absence of lymphadenopathy were not typical of RDD. Within 1 year, the patient developed diffuse lymphadenopathy and immunohistochemical staining of lymph node aspirates confirmed the diagnosis. Despite trials of corticosteroid therapy, the disease progressed.

The optic chiasm

In the first part of this chapter the anatomy and vascular supply of the chiasm are recounted, and the visual symptoms that may arise in chiasmal disease are noted. The neuro-ophthalmic signs, including the pattern of visual field defects, appearance of the optic disc, and various uncommon clinical accompaniments, are described. The second part deals with a comprehensive list of disease processes that may directly or indirectly affect the chiasm. These are divided into inflammatory disorders, including sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, and idiopathic chiasmitis; infective disorders, including tuberculosis; and a large section on tumors, including pituitary adenomas, cysts, and choristomas, malignant disorders, including germ cell tumors and glioma, and meningioma; and finally vascular disorders and compression due to hydrocephalus. In each case the clinical features and management of the disorder are noted, as well as the prognosis for visual improvement following treatment.

Unusual manifestation of Erdheim-Chester disease

Background

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare multisystem non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis that is characterized histologically by xanthogranulomatous infiltrates and radiologically by symmetrical sclerosis of long bones. The xanthomatous process is characterized by prominent foamy histiocytes staining positive for CD68, occasionally for PS100 and negative for S100 and CD1a. Gastroenterological involvement is exceedingly rare.

Case Presentation

This case report describes the case of a 69-year-old man who presented otherwise well to the gastroenterology department with unspecific abdominal symptoms, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. ECD involving the gastrointestinal tract was confirmed clinically, radiologically and histologically.

Conclusion

Gastroenterological manifestation of ECD is rare but should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients presenting with evidence of multi-organ disease and typical radiological features of Erdheim-Chester disease elsewhere.

Non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis with isolated CNS involvement: an unusual variant of Erdheim-Chester disease

Benign histiocytic proliferations are identified by their component cells and classified as either Langerhans cell histiocytosis or non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis. We report a 58-year-old Caucasian woman who presented with diabetes insipidus and was found to harbor a large suprasellar mass. Histopathological analysis was consistent with non-LCH. The differential diagnoses included juvenile xanthogranuloma, adult-onset xanthogranuloma, xanthoma disseminatum, Rosai-Dorfman disease, and Erdheim-Chester disease. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated a proliferation of large lipid-laden histiocytic cells which were positive for CD68, negative for S100 protein, and showed only faint, background staining for CD1a. We present a case of an autopsy-confirmed non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis limited to the central nervous system and evaluated with both immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies. Based on the multifocality, anatomic distribution, and immunostaining features, a diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease was made. This is only the second reported case of Erdheim-Chester disease with intracranial involvement but absence of extracerebral manifestations. Given the overlapping clinicopathologic, radiographic, and immunohistochemical profiles, differentiating between these rare histiocytic disorders can often present a significant diagnostic challenge. A systematic approach using all available clinical, laboratory, radiographic, histologic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural data is essential for proper discrimination between the numerous histiocytoses.

Erdheim-chester disease presenting as bilateral clinically malignant breast masses

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of unknown etiology, the commonest sites of involvement being the long bones, skin, orbit, pituitary and retroperitoneum. Breast involvement is rare, with only four reported cases in the English literature. We present a case of a 78-year-old female presenting with bilateral clinically malignant breast masses, with mammographic and ultrasound findings suggestive of locally advanced bilateral breast cancer. Core biopsies from both breasts showed identical features, with a diffuse xanthomatous infiltrate with scattered Touton-type giant cells and a patchy lymphocytic infiltrate. The cells were CD68 positive, and negative for S100, CD1a and a broad panel of cytokeratins. The patient has a background history of cerebrovascular disease with carotid artery stenosis, and subsequently developed rapid restenosis after carotid endarterectomy. With the combined clinical history and classic histological findings in the breast, a diagnosis of Erdheim-Chester disease was made. This is the fifth case report of Erdheim-Chester disease involving the breast, and only the second case with breast lesions as the presenting symptom. Perivascular infiltration is also a rare but recognized presentation of Erdheim-Chester disease. Histiocytic proliferations including ECD can mimic breast carcinoma clinically, radiologically, and histologically, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of breast mass lesions.

Atypical spine involvement of Erdheim-Chester disease in an elderly male

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare form of non-Langerhans histiocytosis presenting in the 5th through 7th decades of life. Osseous manifestations include symmetrical sclerosis of the long bones and, rarely, the spine. Central nervous system disease commonly affects the white matter tracts as well as the orbits, but epidural disease is rare. To the best of the authors' knowledge, simultaneous epidural and skeletal spine disease has not been reported. The MR imaging characteristics of skeletal spine disease have also not been reported. The authors describe the case of an 87-year-old man with both epidural and skeletal spine disease. The clinical characteristics, imaging manifestations, and the histological features are discussed.

Erdheim-Chester disease with lung involvement mimicking pulmonary lymphangitic carcinomatosis

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) is a rare proliferative non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis of multiple organs with unknown etiology. Around 20% of ECD cases are reported to be associated with lung involvement and there are very few cases manifested solely by nonspecific respiratory symptoms. A 50-year-old woman presented with dry cough and dyspnea for 2 weeks. Chest computed tomography (CT) revealed diffuse interlobular septal and fissural thickening with perilymphatic and subpleural nodular opacities, suggesting pulmonary lymphangitic spread of metastatic carcinoma. Bone scintigraphy and positron emission tomography/CT showed multiple skeletal and lymph node involvement. The patient underwent surgical lung biopsy and the pathologic feature was consistent with ECD. We describe this case to emphasize that ECD should be included in the differential diagnosis of cases suspected to have lymphangitic lung carcinomatosis. Moreover, the findings of positron emission tomography/CT scan, which showed hot uptakes in the affected areas, are also described.

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis and other pulmonary histiocytic diseases: a review

CONTEXT

Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis is the most common and best known pulmonary histiocytic lesion; however, the realm of pulmonary histiocytic lesions also includes an assortment of uncommon diseases that may exhibit pulmonary involvement.

OBJECTIVE

To review pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis and other pulmonary histiocytoses to better ensure correct diagnosis and optimal assessment of prognosis and treatment.

DATA SOURCES

Literature review and primary material from the author's institution.

CONCLUSIONS

This review discusses the most common pulmonary histiocytosis, pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and also reviews the uncommon pulmonary histiocytic lesions, which are distinct from pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis.

Erdheim-Chester disease: a rare syndrome with a characteristic bone scintigraphy pattern

Erdheim-Chester disease is a rare noninherited, non-Langerhans' cell histiocytosis, with multiorgan involvement. The skeleton is frequently involved in as many as 70-80% of all cases. In nearly half of the cases, there is an involvement of other organs such as the cardiovascular system, lung, kidneys, brain, and orbits. Extra-skeletal involvement is correlated with increased morbidity and mortality. In recent years, the disease is being described with increasing frequency although fewer than 200 cases have been identified worldwide. Besides its rarity, the disease has a characteristic almost pathognomonic bone scan appearance, which in some cases facilitates diagnosis of the syndrome. Bone scans also contribute to the qualitative assessment of skeletal involvement.

Unusual variants of non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses

Histiocytic syndromes represent a large, heterogeneous group of diseases resulting from proliferation of histiocytes. In addition to the classic variants, the subset of non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses comprises rare entities that have more recently been described. These last include both forms that affect only the skin or the skin and mucous membranes, and usually show a benign clinical behavior, and forms involving also internal organs, which may follow an aggressive course. The goal of this review is to outline the clinical, histologic, and ultrastructural features and the course, prognosis, and management of these unusual histiocytic syndromes.

Subglottic Stenosis in Erdheim-Chester Disease: A Previously Unrecognized Site of Involvement

We describe a case of laryngeal stenosis secondary to an etiology not previously described. A patient with Erdheim-Chester disease presented with airway obstruction and was found to have subglottic stenosis. Biopsy results confirmed Erdheim-Chester nodules as the cause of the obstruction. This case illustrates the need for biopsy to rule out malignancy and less common etiologies of subglottic stenosis.