Langerhans cell histiocytosis in children: a case report and brief review of the literature

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), formerly known as histiocytosis X, is a non-malignant disease involving clonal proliferation of Langerhans cells. It is an orphan disease affecting mainly the child and the young adult. Its etiology is still unknown, and its clinical spectrum is quite wide. Systemic treatment incorporating steroids and cytostatic drugs for at least one year has improved prognosis of multisystem LCH and represents the current standard of care. We report the case of a multifocal bone LCH in a 2-year-old girl affecting the frontal and parietal bones, associated with emphysematous bulla. The diagnosis was confirmed with histological examination. The evolution was favorable after treatment. Based on this observation, we will make a brief review of the literature to present the clinical, histological, radiological, therapeutic and evolutionary aspects of this orphan disease.

Keywords

• langerhans cell histiocytosis
• children
• multiple bone lesions