[Rare cause of a chest pain]
1Medizinische Klinik I des Klinikums Grosshadern, Munich.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|August 16, 2003
Summary
Langerhans cell histiocytosis can manifest as a lytic bone lesion in heavy smokers. Smoking cessation is crucial for achieving disease remission.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferative disease.
- Bone lesions are a common manifestation of LCH, particularly in adults.
Observation:
- A 42-year-old woman presented with isolated rib pain and a palpable nodular thyroid.
- Imaging revealed osteolysis of the fifth left rib, confirmed by CT and bone scan.
- High-resolution CT showed interstitial lung changes without lymphadenopathy.
Findings:
- Initial investigations including biopsies were inconclusive.
- Histological examination after rib resection and lung biopsy confirmed Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
- The patient had a history of significant trauma and heavy smoking.
Implications:
- Langerhans cell histiocytosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lytic bone lesions in heavy smokers.
- Smoking cessation is a critical therapeutic intervention for LCH, potentially leading to remission.
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