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Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis

Successful Treatment with Thalidomide

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Abstract

A 57-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of non-healing inguinal and perianal ulcers as well as a 2-year history of polydipsia. The clinical picture and histology suggested Langerhans cell histiocytosis, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed hypothalamic-pituitary axis involvement. Treatment was started with thalidomide and desmopressin. The skin lesions resolved over 2 months. Over the next 24 months of continued therapy, the cerebral involvement remained stable and the skin lesions did not recur.

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Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank Hannelore Bischof, Birgit Fehrenbacher, Helga Möller, and Renate Nordin (Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany) for their excellent technical assistance in the preparation of this case report.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Liebermeisterstrasse 25, Tübingen, 72076, Germany

    Sigrid M.C. Broekaert, Gisela Metzler, Martin Röcken &  Martin Schaller

  2. Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany

    Walter Burgdorf

Authors
  1. Sigrid M.C. Broekaert
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  2. Gisela Metzler
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  3. Walter Burgdorf
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  4. Martin Röcken
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  5. Martin Schaller
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Correspondence to Martin Schaller.

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Broekaert, S.M., Metzler, G., Burgdorf, W. et al. Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. AM J Clin Dermatol 8, 311–314 (2007). https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200708050-00007

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200708050-00007

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