Abstract
Background and objective: Erdheim-Chester disease (EC) is a rare form of non-Langerhans' cell histiocytosis. It is characterized by the xanthomatous infiltration of tissues with foamy CD68+/CD1a- histiocytes. We report a series of 12 patients diagnosed with EC. Patients and methods: We reviewed the clinical, pathological and therapeutic aspects of 12 cases diagnosed with EC at 7 tertiary teaching hospitals in Spain. Patients were included if tissue infiltration by histiocytes CD68+/CD1a- could be demonstrated in an appropriate clinical setting. Results: Twelve patients (7 male) were included. Median follow-up was 36 months (IQR: 20-84). The median age at the time of clinical onset and pathological diagnosis was 49 (IQR: 28-61) and 56 years (IQR: 37-62), respectively. In 6 cases multiples biopsies were performed (skin, muscle, testicular) previous to diagnosis, which was confirmed in 3 cases after a carefully review of pathological tissues. Neurological involvement was independently associated with mortality (P <.05). Characteristic long bone osteosclerosis was detected in 9 patients. Conclusion: EC is a multisystemic and heterogeneous clinicopathological condition. A high index of suspicion and fluent communication between clinicians and pathologists is necessary to achieve a correct diagnosis. © 2011 Elsevier España, S.L. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 398-403 |
Journal | Medicina Clinica |
Volume | 139 |
Issue number | 9 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 13 Oct 2012 |
Keywords
- Erdheim-Chester disease
- Interstitial lung disease
- Neurohypophisitis
- Non-Langerhans' cell histiocytosis
- Orchitis
- Osteosclerosis
- Periaortitis