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Case Report

Aggressive Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) of Right Temporal Bone

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DOI:

10.3791/68268

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August 22nd, 2025

In This Article

Summary

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a relatively rare disease. This article explores the clinical and pathological features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, its differential diagnosis, and biological characteristics.

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a relatively rare disease. This article explores the clinicopathological features, differential diagnosis, and biological characteristics of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the clinical data, clinical characteristics, histological observations, immunohistochemical studies, pathological features, treatment, and prognosis of one case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis occurring in the temporal bone, to enhance clinical understanding of this disease. The patient is a 14-year-old boy, initially presenting with a mass in the right temporal region. Upon admission, a complete examination was performed. Both preoperative CT and MRI indicated damage to the right temporal bone. Following complete resection of the lesion during surgery, histological examination revealed extensive infiltration of Langerhans cells accompanied by eosinophilia. Immunohistochemical staining showed positive CD1a and S-100, confirming the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. No signs of recurrence were observed during the 24-month postoperative follow-up, and the prognosis was favorable. Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare disease affecting the reticuloendothelial system, mainly characterized by abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells. Although the histological morphology appears benign, the biological behavior is highly invasive and destructive, often involving multiple organ systems such as bones (e.g., temporal bone), lungs, skin, and lymph nodes. The condition has a high incidence in childhood and requires early diagnosis and intervention.

Introduction

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease characterized by abnormal proliferation of Langerhans cells, a type of histiocytosis1,2. The disease can involve bone, skin, lymph nodes, and internal organs, with the skull being the most common site of single bone lesions, accounting for approximately 60%-80% of pediatric LCH cases1,3. The pathogenesis is not fully understood and may be associated with somatic gene mutations (such as BRAF V600E), immune microenvironment abnormalities, or activation of inflammatory factors³. Clinical manifesta....

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Protocol

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong University. The patient provided written consent to participate in the study. The reagents and equipment used are listed in the Table of Materials.

1. Preoperative preparation

  1. Liver and kidney function, coagulation index, and other relevant indicators were evaluated to exclude surgical contraindications.
  2. Magnetic resonance navigation examination was performed, and the data were entered into the navigation system.

2. Surgical preparation

  1. The patient was placed in a supine pos....

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Results

The intraoperative neoplasm capsule was incomplete, with a soft texture, poor blood supply, and invasive growth. Adhesion to surrounding tissue was noted, with the deep surface adjacent to the dura mater. Destruction of the right temporal bone was observed, with a lesion size of approximately 3 cm (Figure 3A-D). The mass was completely removed (Figure 1C; Figure 2B; .......

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Discussion

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH): Incidence and clinical features

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) primarily affects children, with peak incidence occurring between 1-3 years of age. The male-to-female ratio ranges from 1.2:1 to 2:1. The incidence in adults is low. LCH is a rare disease and presents with diverse clinical manifestations.

Origin of LCH

LCH was first named by Lichtenstein in 1953, base.......

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Disclosures

The authors have nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Supported by grants: The Science and Technology Program of Nantong City, No. Key003; Nantong Young Medical Expert (No.46); the Science and Technology Program of Nantong Health Committee, No. MA2019003, No. MA2021017, MSZ2024038; Science and Technology Program of Nantong City, No. JCZ2022040; and Kangda College of Nanjing Medical University, No. KD2021JYYJYB025, No. KD2022KYJJZD022,No. , No. KD2024KYJJ289.

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Materials

List of materials used in this article
NameCompanyCatalog NumberComments
artificial duraBeijing Tianyifu Biomaterials Co., LTDwww.pwmedtech.com
microscopeCarl Zeiss AGPandora 900
neuronavigatorShanghai Fudan Navigation Companywww.fudanns.com

References

  1. Groopman, J. E., Golde, D. W. The histiocytic disorders: A pathophysiologic analysis. Ann Intern Med. 94 (1), 95-107 (1981).
  2. Mut, M., Cataltepe, O., Bakar, B., Cila, A., Akalan, N. Eosinophilic granuloma of the skull associated with epidur....

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Tags

Temporal Bone LesionClinicopathological FeaturesDifferential DiagnosisHistological ExaminationImmunohistochemical StainingCD1a MarkerS-100 MarkerChildhood Bone DiseasePrognosis Assessment