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Case for diagnosis: 4-month-old infant with increasing cough, hemoptysis, and anemia

D Snijders1, C Stenghele, C Monciotti

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Medical Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.

Pediatric Pulmonology
|July 25, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) in an infant lung presented with cough and hemoptysis. Histology confirmed JXG, a non-cancerous inflammatory condition, in the infant

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Dermatopathology
  • Pediatric Oncology

Background:

  • Juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare, non-Langerhans cell histiocytosis typically affecting infants and young children.
  • Pulmonary involvement is exceptionally rare, presenting diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • A 4-month-old infant presented with non-productive cough, fever, hemoptysis, and anemia.
  • Thoracic HRCT revealed a large, well-defined, vascularized mass in the right lung with central hypodensities.
  • Fiberoptic bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were unremarkable.

Findings:

  • Histopathological examination of the resected lung mass was crucial for diagnosis.
  • The mass demonstrated inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and rare Touton giant cells.
  • These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) of the lung.

Implications:

  • This case highlights JXG as a rare differential diagnosis for pediatric lung masses presenting with respiratory symptoms.
  • Accurate diagnosis through histology is essential for appropriate management of pediatric pulmonary lesions.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal treatment of rare pulmonary JXG is warranted.

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