Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis as Cause of Central Diabetes Insipidus: Case Report

Abstract

AbstractLangerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease of the monocyte-macrophage system, characterized by the aberrant proliferation of specific dendritic cells. The clinical presentation ranges from a single bone lesion to widespread multiorgan involvement. This disease is usually considered to be a disease of childhood; however, the diagnosis is frequently made in adulthood. The course of the disease is fairly unpredictable and varies from spontaneous resolution to progress into a debilitating form, which compromises the vital functions with occasional fatal consequences. Langerhans cell histiocytosis exhibits a predilection for the hypothalamic-pituitary-axis, with diabetes insipidus being the most common endocrine consequence related to the disease, which may be prior to diagnosis or develop at any time during the course of the disease. The diagnosis of LCH should be based on histologic and immunophenotypic examination of a lesional biopsy, although other testing may be done, depending on the symptoms. There is no established, widely agreed-upon treatment of LCH, in general. The treatment depends upon the individual patient and the extent and areas of involvement. The present article aims to describe the case of a 26-year-old male patient whose symptoms started with a headache and occipital bone lesion that progressed later with diabetes insipidus.