[Bone involvement in histiocytosis X in adults. 11 cases]

The authors report 11 cases of bone lesions associated with histiocytosis X in adults, with a total of 25 bone sites: 22 were detected on X-rays and 3 were detected on scintigraphy when the corresponding X-rays were normal. They stress the high incidence of cranio-facial involvement, predominantly in the maxillae, with premature localised loosening of the teeth. They recommend X-rays in the staging of histiocytosis X and reserve scintigraphy for the cases with normal or doubtful X-rays. The bone lesions do not affect the prognosis of histiocytosis X, which depends on the associated visceral lesions. It generally has a favourable outcome and requires careful treatment: limited to a localised procedure for the purposes of histological diagnosis or to control the local underlying visceral risk or the functional complications. Bone lesions do not usually participate in the decision to treat histiocytosis X by chemotherapy.