Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of pulmonary histiocytosis
Todea, D.
Pneumologia 52(2): 119-122
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 2067-2993 PMID: 14702715 Document Number: 553568
Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) encompasses a group of disorders with variable clinical features and prognosis that share in common the infiltration of involved tissues by numerous Langerhans' cell (LC), often organized in granulomas. In adults, pulmonary involvement with LCH is observed predominantly in young cigarette smokers. Lung involvement is usually an isolated or a predominant manifestation, and is characterized by LC granulomas entered on distal bronchioles. HRCT has proved to be very useful in the diagnosis of pulmonary LCT, showing in typical asess the association of nodules, cavitary nodules and cystic lesions with both thick and thin walls. The definite diagnosis of pulmonary LCT generally requires lung biopsy. The pathogenesis of pulmonary LCH is not well understood.