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Open Access 01-10-2013 | Pictorial Review

Skeletal involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Authors: Suonita Khung, Jean-François Budzik, Elisa Amzallag-Bellenger, Anne Lambilliote, Gustavo Soto Ares, Anne Cotten, Nathalie Boutry

Published in: Insights into Imaging | Issue 5/2013

Abstract

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”.

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Title: Skeletal involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Suonita Khung
Jean-François Budzik
Elisa Amzallag-Bellenger
Anne Lambilliote
Gustavo Soto Ares
Anne Cotten
Nathalie Boutry
Publication date: 01-10-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Insights into Imaging / Issue 5/2013
Electronic ISSN: 1869-4101
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13244-013-0271-7

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Skeletal involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Abstract

Teaching points

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Teaching points

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