1.AVP Deficiency as the Initial Manifestation of Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Diagnostic Odyssey
Yuvaranee Samanaseh ; Vanusha Devaraja ; Goh Qing Ci ; Patricia Lee Siow Ping
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):92-
Introduction:
Arginine vasopressin (AVP) deficiency is an uncommon
but important presentation of infiltrative hypothalamic–
pituitary disorders. In adults, isolated AVP deficiency with
pituitary stalk thickening is diagnostically challenging,
especially in the absence of systemic disease. Langerhans
cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare cause and may precede
systemic involvement by several years.
Case:
We report a 42-year-old male who presented in 2017 with
polyuria and polydipsia, with urine output of up to 10 L/
day. AVP deficiency was confirmed by the water deprivation
test, and desmopressin was initiated. Initial pituitary
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal, baseline
anterior pituitary hormonal evaluation was unremarkable, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) of
the thorax and abdomen showed no abnormalities.
Repeat pituitary MRI 1 year later demonstrated loss of
the posterior pituitary bright spot with pituitary stalk
thickening. In the absence of systemic involvement, a
presumptive diagnosis of lymphocytic hypophysitis was
made, and pituitary biopsy was deferred due to the high
procedural risk.
Serial pituitary MRIs over the following years showed
persistent infundibular thickening and continued absence
of the posterior pituitary bright spot, without interval
progression or development of additional hormonal
deficiencies. The patient remained clinically stable until
June 2024, when new-onset left hip pain prompted MRI,
revealing a heterogeneous mass involving the femoral
neck and intertrochanteric region with a pathological
fracture. Histopathological examination following wide
resection confirmed LCH, with negative BRAF V600
mutation. Postoperative PET scan revealed a multisystem
disease involving the skeleton, lymph nodes, spine, and
gastrointestinal tract, with no bone marrow involvement.
He subsequently completed six cycles of intravenous
methotrexate and cytarabine.
Conclusion
Adult-onset AVP deficiency may be the earliest
manifestation of occult multisystem Langerhans cell
histiocytosis. This case highlights the importance of longterm follow-up and reconsideration of the initial diagnosis
when new systemic features emerge.
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell
2.Beyond the Pituitary Stalk: Primary Hypothyroidism as a Rare Presentation of Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Fang Chan Lim ; Shireen Siow Leng Lui
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2026;41(S1):102-103
Introduction:
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a clonal proliferative disorder of langerin-positive histiocytes. Endocrine
involvement most frequently manifests as central diabetes
insipidus or secondary hypothyroidism, caused by infiltration of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Conversely, direct
infiltration of the thyroid gland leading to primary hypothyroidism is an exceptionally rare clinical entity, particularly when presenting concurrently with central disease.
Case:
A 21-year-old female with known right otic and multisystem
LCH presented with septic shock secondary to a right
ear abscess accompanied by polyuria and polydipsia.
Physical examination revealed a palpable goiter. Clinical
and biochemical evaluation confirmed central diabetes
insipidus with associated anterior hypopituitarism
(low adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle-stimulating
hormone, and luteinizing hormone). However, concurrent
thyroid function tests demonstrated overt primary
hypothyroidism, evidenced by an appropriately elevated
thyroid-stimulating hormone (26.19 mIU/L) and low free
T4 (5.47 pmol/L), rather than the anticipated secondary
hypothyroidism. Neck ultrasound showed diffuse thyroid
enlargement with heterogeneous echotexture. Crucially,
anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
were both negative, rendering Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
highly unlikely. Although the patient declined confirmatory fine-needle aspiration, the constellation of a palpable
goiter, characteristic ultrasonographic findings, negative
autoimmunity, and active multisystem disease strongly
supported a diagnosis of direct histiocytic infiltration
of the thyroid gland. She was initiated on appropriate
glucocorticoid coverage and subsequent levothyroxine
replacement, alongside systemic intravenous cytarabine.
Conclusion
This case highlights a rare, mixed endocrine profile in
multisystem LCH, demonstrating that pituitary and
direct end-organ infiltration can coexist. Hypothyroidism
in LCH patients with established central diabetes
insipidus should not be reflexively assumed to be
central in origin. A comprehensive diagnostic workup,
including autoantibody screening, ultrasound, and ideally
histopathological confirmation, is essential to accurately
identify primary endocrine failure and guide appropriate
clinical management in these complex cases.
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell
;
Hypothyroidism
;
Pituitary Gland
3.Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of Bone:Report of Eight Cases and Review of the Literature.
Ya BI ; Dan-Dan WU ; Fang-Ying YU ; Zhen-Hong FANG ; Bo HUANG
Acta Academiae Medicinae Sinicae 2025;47(2):325-332
Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone is a rare tumor disease characterized by the large accumulation of CD1a+ and CD207+ dendritic cells in tissues of unknown cause.It mainly occurs in children aged 1-4 years old,with incidences of 4-6 per million in children and 1-2 per million in adults.Due to its low incidence,diverse clinical manifestations,and no obvious specificity of imaging manifestations,the definitive diagnosis and early treatment of this type of tumor are challenging.In this paper,we report 8 cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis of bone and review the relevant literature published in the past five years to summarize the clinical characteristics,pathological features,diagnosis,treatment,and prognosis of this disease.
Humans
;
Bone Diseases/therapy*
;
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell/therapy*
4.A case of adult temporal bone langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as posterior canal dehiscence syndrome and literature review.
Dongzhou DENG ; Ying HU ; Dan BING
Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;39(3):255-259
This report describes a case of adult temporal bone Langerhans cell histiocytosis(LCH) that presented as posterior canal dehiscence syndrome(PCDS). The patient initially presented with vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss. Computed tomography(CT) revealed erosive changes in the mastoid and posterior semicircular canal. After the operation, the patient's hearing and vestibular symptoms disappeared and postoperative recovery was favorable. Adult LCH is relatively rare, and this case serves as an example to discuss the clinical features and treatment options of this disease, followed by a literature review.
Humans
;
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell/complications*
;
Semicircular Canal Dehiscence/etiology*
;
Temporal Bone/pathology*
5.Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as a complicated case of otitis media in a one-year-old girl: A case report
Karla Beatrice A. YAP ; Angelo A. MONROY
Philippine Journal of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery 2025;40(Supplement):9-12
OBJECTIVE
To present a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis mimicking bilateral otitis media and acute mastoiditis in a one-year-old girl, and to discuss the clinical presentation, diagnostic dilemma, management and prognosis of this disease.
METHODSDesign: Case Report
Setting: Tertiary Private Teaching Hospital
Patient: One
RESULTSA one-year-old girl with a three-month history of bilateral otorrhea, post-auricular lymphadenopathies and dermatitits unresponsive to multiple courses of antibiotics, developed osseous and soft tissue destruction around the temporal and occipital bones. Her multiple progressive symptoms eventually led to the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
CONCLUSIONLangerhans cell histiocytosis is a multifocal disease that can present with ear symptoms and can cause management dilemmas. It may mimic acute or chronic infections of the ear and should be suspected when extensive bone erosion is present.
Human ; Female ; Infant: 1-23 Months ; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-cell ; Otitis ; Mastoiditis
6.Clinical analysis of 72 children with Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Wen-Xuan JIANG ; Fang-Hua YE ; Yi-Xin XIAO ; Wen-Jun DENG ; Yan YU ; Liang-Chun YANG
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(5):555-562
OBJECTIVES:
To study the clinical characteristics, efficacy, and prognosis of pediatric Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on 72 children with newly diagnosed LCH.
RESULTS:
The median age of the 72 children was 5 years (range: 0-14 years), with skull involvement being the most common (56 cases, 77.8%). The BRAF-V600E mutation was not associated with clinical characteristics, efficacy, or prognosis (P>0.05). The 5-year overall survival rate was 91.6%±4.2%, and the 5-year event-free survival (EFS) rate was 67.5%±5.8%. The 6-week chemotherapy response rate and 5-year EFS rate were lower in the risk organ involvement group compared to the no risk organ involvement group (P<0.05). The five-year overall survival rates for the group with multi-system involvement and the group with platelet count ≥450×109/L were respectively lower than those for the single-system involvement group and the group with platelet count <450×109/L (P<0.05). Risk organ involvement is an independent risk factor for 5-year EFS (P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Skull is the most commonly affected site in pediatric LCH. The BRAF-V600E mutation is not related to clinical characteristics, efficacy, or prognosis. Elevated platelet count, risk organ involvement, and multisystem involvement are associated with poor prognosis, with risk organ involvement being an independent risk factor for 5-year EFS.
Humans
;
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell/therapy*
;
Child, Preschool
;
Child
;
Male
;
Infant
;
Female
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics*
;
Prognosis
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Mutation
7.A case of a 2-year-old Filipino female with recurrent langerhans cell histiocytosis
Tanya Rae Cuatriz ; Wilsie Salas-Walinsundin
Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2024;33(Suppl 1):20-20
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder characterized by the abnormal proliferation of histiocytes, predominantly affecting the bones and skin. However, it can also involve the bone marrow, liver, spleen, lungs, pituitary gland, central nervous system, and other organs. The disorder is named for the neoplastic cells that resemble dendritic Langerhans cells found in the skin and mucosa.
We present the case of a 2-year-old Filipino female diagnosed with recurrent LCH, highlighting the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic interventions encountered. The patient initially presented with characteristic papules and plaques indicative of LCH. Initial treatment involved multi-agent chemotherapy, which resulted in significant clinical improvement. However, following the cessation of therapy, the patient experienced recurrence of symptoms, necessitating reevaluation. A skin punch biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of LCH, reinforcing the decision to reinitiate chemotherapy. Complications arose during treatment, including febrile neutropenia, which required hospitalization and adjustments to the management plan. After completing the chemotherapy cycles, the patient demonstrated marked clinical improvement, with the resolution of systemic symptoms and a reduction in the severity of cutaneous lesions.
This case underscores the complexities in managing recurrent LCH in pediatric patients. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, vigilant monitoring for treatment-related complications, and prompt therapeutic interventions are critical for achieving optimal outcomes. Effective management requires a multidisciplinary approach to address the unique challenges presented, ensuring timely interventions to improve patient outcomes.
Human ; Female ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Chemotherapy ; Drug Therapy ; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-cell
8.A case of langerhans cell histiocytosis in a 3-year-old Filipino male
Kristine Bernadette D. Cunanan ; Maria Rosa Noliza F. Encarnacion ; Andrea Marie Bernales-Mendoza ; Marie Len Camaclang-Balmores ; Paloma Alexandra Rojas
Journal of the Philippine Dermatological Society 2024;33(Suppl 1):21-21
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an inflammatory myeloid neoplasia affecting children 2-5 years old. The clinical presentation ranges from self-resolving localized disease to fulminant, fatal disseminated disease. While the most common presentation of LCH are small, translucent crusted papules on the trunk, intertriginous areas, and scalp, it may present as crusted plaques and alopecia. A 3-year-old male presented with a 4-month history of solitary, well-defined, hyperpigmented plaque with yellow-brown crust on the left parieto-occipital area of the scalp measuring 1.5 x 1.5 cm and a solitary, well-defined, hairless patch with areas of erythema on the left parieto-occipital area measuring 5.0 x 6.0 cm. Scalp biopsy revealed diffuse collection of lymphohistiocytes interspersed with distinct kidney bean-shaped cells. CD1a is positive for cells of interest. Skeletal survey revealed lytic lesions involving the skull, thoracic cage, spine, pelvis, and upper and lower extremities. The rest of the physical examination findings revealed lymphadenopathy, crackles, globular abdomen with right and left upper quadrant dullness. The patient had episodes of fever, difficulty of breathing, and abdominal pain. The patient received chemotherapy as multisystem LCH based on prednisone and vinblastine. Following 3 courses of chemotherapy, there is noted hair regrowth and sloughing off of crust.
Human ; Male ; Child Preschool: 2-5 Yrs Old ; Alopecia ; Histiocytosis, Langerhans-cell ; Vinblastine
9.Oral mucosal lesions with transient self-healing of Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a case report.
Xiaoling ZHANG ; Ningning XUE ; Minhui RUAN ; Xin ZENG
West China Journal of Stomatology 2023;41(5):592-598
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a group of unexplainable abnormal proliferation and aggregation of Langerhans cell. LCH can be classified into four clinical variants: Letterer-Siwe disease, Hand-Schüller-Christian disease, eosinophilic granuloma, and congenital self-healing LCH. LCH is most prevalent in children. Lesions can be localized in a single system or multiple organs, and clinical manifestations vary depending on the affected organs. The skin and mucocutaneous tissues are the starting point of the affected tissue. This study presents a LCH case characterized by transient self-healing. This case can further provide references for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of LCH.
Child
;
Humans
;
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell/therapy*
;
Diagnosis, Differential
10.Langerhans cell histiocytosis presenting as anterior neck mass in a child: A case report
Kristine Mae Betansos ; Melissa Joyanne Cachero ; Caridad Santos ; Eve Fernandez ; Marichu Mabulac ; Lorna Abad
Journal of the ASEAN Federation of Endocrine Societies 2023;38(2):149-153
Thyroid involvement in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is rare. We report a 10-year-old Filipino male who presented with a rapidly enlarging goiter. Computed tomography scan showed thyroid and bilateral submandibular masses with malignant features, pulmonary blebs and hepatic cysts. Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy findings were consistent with LCH and chemotherapy was initiated. This case demonstrates that LCH should be considered in patients with goiter. Multidisciplinary management is warranted to achieve proper diagnosis and institute timely treatment.
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell
;
Thyroid Gland


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