Langerhans cell histiocytosis with digestive tract involvement

Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010 Oct;55(4):748-53. doi: 10.1002/pbc.22663.

Abstract

Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is not commonly described. We present two children presenting with GIT involvement with LCH, one successfully treated on standard protocol and other being treated on a protocol for relapsed disease. A review of literature showed almost 95% children were less than 2 years of age and 62% were females. Vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, intractable diarrhea, malabsorption, bloody stools, protein-losing enteropathy, and even intestinal perforation are some of the reported symptoms. More than 50% patients died within 18 months from diagnosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases / etiology*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / complications*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / diagnosis
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Treatment Outcome