120 Pulmonary Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis

CASE 120


image Clinical Presentation


38-year-old woman smoker with cough and dyspnea


image Radiologic Findings


PA chest radiograph (Fig. 120.1) demonstrates normal lung volume without visible pulmonary abnormalities. HRCT (Figs. 120.2, 120.3) shows subtle bilateral upper lobe–predominant small pulmonary cysts with nodular irregular cyst walls and scattered small nodules with ill-defined borders (Fig. 120.2). Note the relative sparing of the lung bases (Fig. 120.3).


image Diagnosis


Pulmonary Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis


image Differential Diagnosis


• Infection


• Emphysema


• Bronchiectasis


• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis


image Discussion


Background


Pulmonary Langerhans’ cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease that results from abnormal non-malignant proliferation of monoclonal Langerhans’ cells. Multiple organs may be affected, including bone, pituitary gland, mucous membranes, skin, lymph nodes, and liver.



image


Fig. 120.1


Jan 14, 2016 | Posted by in RESPIRATORY IMAGING | Comments Off on 120 Pulmonary Langerhans’ Cell Histiocytosis

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