Skeletal involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) represents a disorder characterised by an abnormal accumulation of histiocytes in miscellaneous tissues. The bone is commonly affected, especially the flat bones, the spine and the long bones. Some lesions in children such as a “ vertebra plana ” or a solitary lyt...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Insights into imaging 2013-10, Vol.4 (5), p.569-579
Main Authors: Khung, Suonita, Budzik, Jean-François, Amzallag-Bellenger, Elisa, Lambilliote, Anne, Soto Ares, Gustavo, Cotten, Anne, Boutry, Nathalie
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Diagnostic Radiology
Imaging
Internal Medicine
Interventional Radiology
Medicine
Medicine & Public Health
Neuroradiology
Pictorial Review
Radiology
Ultrasound
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) represents a disorder characterised by an abnormal accumulation of histiocytes in miscellaneous tissues. The bone is commonly affected, especially the flat bones, the spine and the long bones. Some lesions in children such as a “ vertebra plana ” or a solitary lytic lesion of the skull may be suggestive for LCH, whereas others can be confused with a malignant tumour or osteomyelitis. This pictorial essay presents the main usual and unusual skeletal manifestations observed in LCH. Teaching points • Osseous involvement in children with LCH is very similar to that seen in multiple myeloma. • A solitary lytic lesion of the cranial vault is a typical radiographic finding of LCH. • A vertebra plana appearance in the spine is another typical radiographic finding. • Extensive signal intensity changes within bone marrow on MRI are a helpful sign for the diagnosis. • In long bones, endosteal scalloping may be responsible for a “budding appearance”.
ISSN:1869-4101
1869-4101
DOI:10.1007/s13244-013-0271-7