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Histiocytosis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Eosinophilic granuloma - X-ray of the skull
Eosinophilic granuloma - X-ray of the skull
Respiratory system
Respiratory system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Histiocytosis X; Langerhans cell histiocytosis; Eosinophilic granuloma; Pulmonary histiocytosis X; Nonlipid reticuloendotheliosis; Pulmonary Langerhans cell granulomatosis; Hand-Schuller-Christian disease; Letterer-Siwe disease

Definition    Return to top

Histiocytosis is a general name for a group of syndromes that involve an abnormal increase in the number of immune cells called histiocytes.

There are three major classes of histiocytoses:

This article focuses only on Langerhans cell histiocytosis (histiocytosis X).

Causes    Return to top

Histiocytosis X has typically been thought of as a cancer-like condition. More recently researchers have begun to suspect that it is actually an autoimmune phenomenon, in which immune cells mistakenly attack the body, rather than fight infections. Extra immune cells may form tumors, which can affect various parts of the body including the bones, skull, and other areas.

Some forms of the disorder are genetic.

Histiocytosis X is thought to affect roughly 1 in 200,000 people each year. It is most often seen in children age 1 to 15. The rate peaks among children age 5 to10.

Pulmonary histiocytosis X is a specific type of this disorder that involves swelling of the small airways (bronchioles) and small blood vessels in the lungs. It is most common in adults. The inflammation leads to lung stiffening and damage. The cause is unknown. It most often affects those aged 30 to 40, usually cigarette smokers.

Symptoms    Return to top

Histiocytosis X often affects the whole body. A disease that affects the whole body is called a systemic disorder.

Symptoms can vary between children and adults, although there can be some overlap. Tumors in weight-bearing bones, such as the legs or spine, may cause the bones to fracture without apparent reason.

Symptoms in children may include:

Note: Children over 5 years old often have only bone involvement.

Symptoms in adults may include:

Exams and Tests    Return to top

The tumors produce a "punched-out" look on a bone x-ray. Specific tests vary depending on the age of the patient.

Tests in children may also include:

Tests in adults may include:

Histiocytosis X is sometimes associated with cancer. CT scans and biopsy should be done to rule out possible cancer.

Treatment    Return to top

This disorder is treated with corticosteroids, which suppress immune function (including the dangerous cells). Smoking may worsen the response to treatment and should be stopped.

Children may be given other medications depending on their estimated outlook. Such medications may include:

Radiation therapy or surgery may also be used to treat bone lesions.

Other treatments may include:

Support Groups    Return to top

Histiocytosis Association of America -- www.histio.org

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

Histiocytosis X affects many organs and can lead to death.

About half of those with pulmonary histiocytosis see improvement, while others eventually have permanent loss of lung function.

In very young patients, the outlook depends on the specific histiocytosis and severity of the disease. Some children can live a normal life with minimal disease involvement, while others may have a poor outcome. Young children, especially infants, are more likely to have body-wide symptoms that lead to death.

Possible Complications    Return to top

Complications may include:

Children may also develop:

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Call your health care provider if you or your child have symptoms of this disorder. Go to the emergency room if shortness of breath or chest pain develop.

Prevention    Return to top

Avoid smoking. Quitting smoking can improve the outcome in people with histiocytosis that affects the lungs.

There is no known prevention for the childhood forms of the disease.

References    Return to top

Ladisch S. Histiocytosis Syndromes of Childhood. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 507.

Raghu G. Interstitial Lung Disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 92.

Update Date: 4/8/2008

Updated by: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Newark, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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