Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
11:17

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: February 27, 2026

Langerhans cell histiocytosis with pulmonary involvement and unilateral pneumothorax

Ghamartaj Khanbabaee1, Mehrnoosh Hassas Yeganeh, Seyed Ahmad Tabatabaei

  • 1Department of Pediatric Respiratory Diseases, Mofid Children's Hospital, Shahid Beheshti Medical University, Iran.

The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics
|March 25, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), a rare condition, can manifest with pneumothorax in infants. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing this rare lung disease in children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Dermatology
  • Histiocytosis Research

Background:

  • Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare clonal proliferative disorder of Langerhans cells with an unknown cause.
  • While LCH commonly affects children, its association with pulmonary complications like pneumothorax is infrequent.
  • Understanding the diverse presentations of LCH is vital for timely diagnosis and management.

Observation:

  • A 14-month-old female infant presented with acute respiratory distress and skin lesions.
  • Radiographic findings included reticulonodular changes, cystic lung disease, and subsequently, a unilateral pneumothorax.
  • Hyperpigmented skin plaques on the skull and back were noted, alongside respiratory symptoms.

Findings:

  • Chest imaging revealed extensive cystic changes and honeycombing, indicative of severe lung involvement.
  • The development of pneumothorax highlighted a critical respiratory complication in this pediatric case.
  • Histopathological analysis of a biopsy confirmed proliferative histiocytosis, consistent with LCH.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering LCH in pediatric patients presenting with unexplained respiratory distress and pneumothorax.
  • Prompt diagnosis of LCH is critical to prevent life-threatening complications and improve patient outcomes.
  • Integrated management involving pulmonology and dermatology is essential for comprehensive care of LCH patients.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumothorax-II01:27

Pneumothorax-II

Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-I01:26

Pneumothorax-I

A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pulmonary Tuberculosis II01:28

Pulmonary Tuberculosis II

Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology01:08

Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology

Pneumothorax means the presence of air in the pleural space — the thin potential gap between the visceral and parietal pleura. This condition disrupts the normal pressure balance that keeps the lungs inflated, leading to partial or complete collapse of the affected lung.Normal physiologyUnder normal conditions, the pleural space maintains a slightly negative intrapleural pressure, which keeps the lungs expanded against the chest wall. This negative pressure creates a delicate balance between...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis III01:31

Pulmonary Tuberculosis III

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection primarily affecting the lung parenchyma but which can also affect other body parts. TB can be classified based on disease development, presentation, and the affected anatomical site.
The first classification is based on the development of the disease, and it includes the following categories: