Ulikowska Ewelina

Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-012 (T)

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH), is a disorder that primarily affects children, but can affect individuals of all ages. Langerhans cells are cells that are responsible for regulating immune system in our bodies. They are mostly found in the skin, spleen, lymph nodes, liver and bone marrow. In patients who have LCH, these cells grow and multiply excessively. The abnormal growth of the Langerhans cells causes a formation of tumors called granulomas. LCH can affect different areas of the body: skin, nails, lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, pituitary and thyroid gland, liver, lungs and bones. The severity and symptoms of the disease vary in individual patients and are dependent on the organs and systems affected. Oftentimes, LCH can be found in multiple areas of the body and when that happens, the disease becomes a multisystem disease. The most common system affected by LCH, seen in about 80 % of individuals affected, is the skeletal system. Granulomas, which develop most commonly in the flat bones such as skull and long bones of arms and legs, cause sclerotic and lytic lesions that can in turn become the cause of pathologic fractures. Therefore it is crucial, to recognize the radiographic signs of skeletal manifestations of LCH. Radiography is the preliminary imaging of choice and skeletal surveys are oftentimes the best assessment of the status of LCH prior and post treatment. The purpose of this abstract is to describe radiographic appearances associated with Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis. In order to confirm the importance of follow up skeletal surveys, I will present cases and associated radiographs that show signs of LCH prior to treatment and post treatment. Read More

Authors:  Ulikowska Ewelina

Keywords:  Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis, Radiographic findings, Skeletal manifestations