An unusual case of Erdheim-Chester disease with features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Skeletal Radiol. 2007 Sep;36(9):885-9. doi: 10.1007/s00256-007-0302-x. Epub 2007 May 11.

Abstract

Erdheim-Chester disease (ECD) and Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) are both exceedingly rare histiocytic proliferations that can involve the skeletal system. We report on a case of ECD with some features suggestive of LCH. Radiographs demonstrated a large lytic lesion in the left femur, with multiple lesions of sclerosis involving both distal femurs and tibias. Both the lytic lesion and a sclerotic lesion were biopsied and demonstrated distinctive histologic features characteristic of ECD in the tibia and features of LCH in the femur. The clinical/radiologic and pathologic features that distinguish ECD and LCH as distinct entities are reviewed, and the underlying biological connection between them is discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Erdheim-Chester Disease / complications
  • Erdheim-Chester Disease / pathology*
  • Female
  • Femur / pathology
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / complications
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain / etiology
  • Rare Diseases
  • Tibia / pathology