Langerhans cell histiocytosis revealed by painful hip: a case report

Joint Bone Spine. 2009 Oct;76(5):565-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2009.01.014. Epub 2009 Sep 19.

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disease in childhood. It has a very polymorphous clinical expression, ranging from a single bony disease to a multisystemic disease involving vital organs. Prognosis has been improved by use of chemotherapy. We report a 2-year-old girl with multifocal Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone and skin, revealed by a pain of the left hip and a limp trailing from 2 months. The diagnosis has been established by histological exam. The patient received chemotherapy and steroids. Outcome was favourable over 6-month follow-up. Trailing limp should evoke diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Skin biopsy should be preferred to a bone biopsy because of its safety.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Femur / diagnostic imaging
  • Femur / pathology
  • Functional Laterality
  • Hip Joint / diagnostic imaging
  • Hip Joint / pathology*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / diagnostic imaging
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / drug therapy
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Osteosclerosis / diagnostic imaging
  • Otitis / diagnosis
  • Pain / etiology
  • Radiography
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones