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Langerhans cell histiocytosis

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Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a complex disease entity comprised of three distinct clinical syndromes that demonstrate indistinguishable histology. These syndromes are: eosinophilic granuloma, which is predominantly osseous or pulmonary; Hand-Schûller-Christian’s disease, which involves multiple organ systems and, most typically, the skull base; and Letterer-Siwe’s disease, the most severe disease manifestation, which typically involves the abdominal viscera. This article reviews our current understanding of Langerhans cell histiocytosis by discussing the history, histology, etiology, and treatment of the disease. It focuses on the radiographic findings and imaging modalities that are the most useful in disease diagnosis and management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Musculoskeletal Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Yawkey 6E 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Kevin Bradford Hoover

  2. Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 175 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Daniel I. Rosenthal

  3. Orthopedics, Massachusetts General Hospital, 1122A Jackson Building, Boston, MA, 02114, USA

    Henry Mankin

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  1. Kevin Bradford Hoover
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  2. Daniel I. Rosenthal
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Correspondence to Kevin Bradford Hoover.

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Hoover, K.B., Rosenthal, D.I. & Mankin, H. Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Skeletal Radiol 36, 95–104 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00256-006-0193-2

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