Hypothalamic-pituitary Langerhans cell histiocytosis: a diagnostic challenge

Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2000 Dec;61(6):512-516.

Abstract

Four cases of hypothalamic-pituitary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) are reported, highlighting the expanding spectrum of clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features in adults. The diagnostic challenge of hypothalamic-pituitary LCH is emphasized in cases revealed as supra-sellar tumors with panhypopituitarism or as isolated central diabetes insipidus. Diagnosis is confirmed by histological examination showing infiltration with CD1a positive histiocytes. General guidelines for diagnosis procedure are drawn out, including the neurosurgical biopsy in particular cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Blindness / etiology
  • Deamino Arginine Vasopressin / therapeutic use
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / complications
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / diagnosis*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Pituitary Diseases / complications
  • Pituitary Diseases / diagnosis*
  • Pituitary Diseases / drug therapy
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Renal Agents / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Renal Agents
  • Deamino Arginine Vasopressin