Case Report: Two Infant Cases of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Involving the Digestive Tract

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease with uncertain etiology. Langerhans cell histiocytosis with involvement of the gastrointestinal tract is rare and is typically identified in pediatric patients with systemic disease. The present study reports two infantile cases of LCH who initially presented with diarrhea, hematochezia, and rash and were histologically missed on the original examination of the colonic biopsy sections. The diagnosis of LCH was later verified through immunohistochemistry. By combining our experience and previous reports, the multiple hemorrhagic spots of the colorectal mucosa and narrowness and erosion of the distal duodenum might be suggestive manifestations of gastrointestinal involvement in LCH on endoscopic examination. This might be helpful for the early recognition of the disease.