Case Report
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World J Hematol. Aug 6, 2013; 2(3): 89-98
Published online Aug 6, 2013. doi: 10.5315/wjh.v2.i3.89
Management of adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis based on the characteristic clinical features
Shinsaku Imashuku, Chihiro Shimazaki, Arinobu Tojo, Toshihiko Imamura, Akira Morimoto
Shinsaku Imashuku, Division of Hematology, Takasago-seibu Hospital, Takasago 676-0812, Japan
Shinsaku Imashuku, the NPO for Japan Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Study Group, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
Chihiro Shimazaki, Division of Hematology, Social Insurance Kyoto Hospital, Kyoto 603-8151, Japan
Arinobu Tojo, Division of Stem Cell Therapy, Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, the Institute of Medical Science, the University of Tokyo, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan
Toshihiko Imamura, Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
Akira Morimoto, Department of Pediatrics, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Shimotsuke 329-0498, Japan
Author contributions: All authors engaged in part in consulting and providing treatment for the patients presented; Imashuku S and Tojo A designed; Imashuku S wrote the paper; Shimazaki C, Imamura T and Morimoto A provided constructive insights in preparation of the paper; all authors approved the final version of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Shinsaku Imashuku, MD, Consultant, Division of Hematology, Takasago-seibu Hospital, 1-10-41 Nakasuji, Takasago 676-0812, Japan. shinim95@mbox.kyoto-inet.or.jp
Telephone: +81-79-4470100 Fax: +81-79-4470180
Received: April 11, 2013
Revised: May 10, 2013
Accepted: June 5, 2013
Published online: August 6, 2013
Core Tip

Core tip: Clinical features and treatment in a total of 18 adult patients with langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) were reviewed. We found two major groups regarding the initial symptoms; one was central diabetes insipidus and other endocrine symptoms (n = 9) and the other bone diseases (n = 8; 1 skull, 4 spinal and 3 multiple). We also recognized the correlation between pregnancy/childbirth and LCH in 4 patients. Based on the clinical features and outcomes, early diagnosis and rapid introduction of appropriate treatment are essential, in order to overcome the problems relevant to adult LCH.