Multifocal Osseous Tuberculosis Mimicking Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis: A Case Series

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a common cause of multifocal lytic skeletal lesions in children. However, multifocal osseous tuberculosis can affect children and mimics LCH on imaging, especially in endemic regions. We report cases with atypical manifestations of multifocal osseous tuberculosis which were presumptively diagnosed as LCH. The findings of our series of cases suggest that on computed tomography (CT) irregular sclerotic margins, abscess formation, sclerosis of involved bone, and button sequestrum point toward a diagnosis of multifocal osseous tuberculosis, especially in endemic regions.

Keywords

• button sequestrum
• langerhans’ cell histiocytosis
• multifocal osseous tuberculosis
• skull
• tuberculosis
• vertebra plana