A case of multiorgan Langerhans' cell histiocytosis presented with pneumothorax

Pulmonary Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) represents an uncommon clinical disorder with unpredictable clinical presentation and outcome. Lung involvement may occur either in isolation or as part of a multiorgan disease. A 43-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with acute left chest pain and shortness of breath. Spontaneous left pneumothorax was detected. All laboratory tests, including pulmonary function studies, were normal. Radiological findings posed high suspicion for LCH and lung biopsy confirmed this diagnosis. Further studies identified small cystic lesions in the scalp and liver. The diagnosis of multiple organ LCH involvement was made. Spontaneous pneumothorax might be the presenting clinical symptom of LCH. The present case emphasizes the capricious nature of LCH and the importance of an individualized therapeutic approach.