Successful management of multiple-systemic Langerhans cell histiocytosis involving endocrine organs in an adult: A case report and review of literature

Medicine (Baltimore). 2018 Jun;97(26):e11215. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000011215.

Abstract

Rationale: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) involving non-endocrine organs has been frequently reported, whereas LCH involving endocrine organs is rare and the mechanism is unclear.

Patient concerns: We report a case of multiple-systemic Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) that first manifested with thyroid goiter, followed by pituitary and liver involvement.

Diagnoses: The diagnosis was confirmed based on immunohistochemistry of the thyroid and liver.

Interventions: The patient was treated with thyroidectomy combined with chemotherapy and radiation therapy for thyroid and liver, respectively.

Outcomes: Surprisingly, the patient presented with clinical remission and no new lesion of LCH was found during follow-up over 10 years.

Lessons: LCH involving the endocrine system is unusual and easily misdiagnosed or delayed, especially when the thyroid and pituitary glands are involved. Pathological examination is necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Regular examinations, such as anterior and posterior pituitary hormones, should be especially evaluated annually in the patients with LCH involving endocrine system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Chemoradiotherapy / methods*
  • Endocrine System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Endocrine System Diseases / therapy*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / complications
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / diagnosis
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Diseases / complications
  • Liver Diseases / therapy
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Diseases / complications
  • Pituitary Diseases / therapy
  • Pituitary Gland / pathology
  • Thyroid Diseases / complications
  • Thyroid Diseases / therapy
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology
  • Thyroidectomy / methods