Rare presentation and unconventional treatment of Rosai-Dorfman disease

Rosai-Dorfman disease (RDD) is a rare myeloproliferative disorder involving histiocytes, with an incidence of 1:200 000 and approximately 100 new cases diagnosed annually in the USA. The condition presents a diverse range of clinical manifestations, and early recognition and treatment generally result in a favourable prognosis. However, diagnosing RDD poses challenges due to its rarity. The clinical management of RDD lacks a consensus, further complicating its diagnostic and therapeutic approach. We present a case of a man in his late 50s with RDD who experienced worsening cytopenias, including severe neutropenia and respiratory distress, despite an initial positive response to steroids, rituximab and lenalidomide. Genetic testing revealed mutations in POLE, KRAS (G13C), NDE1 and EZH2, suggesting potential new therapeutic targets. Sirolimus was initiated and led to complete radiological remission of the disease. This case adds strength to the growing evidence supporting the efficacy of sirolimus in refractory RDD cases.