Diagnostic Challenge in Rapidly Growing Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis with Aneurysmal Bone Cyst in the Maxilla: A Case Report

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare neoplastic disorder characterized by the clonal proliferation of CD1a +/CD 207 + dendritic cells, whose features are similar to those of epidermal Langerhans cells. LCH is more common in children than in adults. Localized osteolytic lesions in the craniofacial bones are the most common manifestations of LCH. However, LCH can also present as a multifocal and multisystem disease with poor prognosis. Locally aggressive LCH needs to be differentiated from various diseases such as osteomyelitis, malignant bone tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas. However, it is difficult to diagnose, since the imaging findings are nonspecific. We report a case of a highly aggressive LCH in the maxilla accompanied by a fluid-fluid level.

Keywords

• Langerhans cell histiocytosis
• pediatric malignant tumor
• aneurysmal bone cyst