Distinctive growth pattern in a patient with a delayed diagnosis of Langerhans' cell histiocytosis

Pituitary. 2012 Dec:15 Suppl 1:S28-32. doi: 10.1007/s11102-011-0291-6.

Abstract

We present a 22-year old male patient previously treated with radiotherapy and surgery at the age of 7 for an undefined suprachiasmatic mass. Following treatment he gradually became morbidly obese and besides subsequent panhypopituitarism he achieved his target height probably due to obesity-induced severe hyperinsulinemia. At the age of 21 Langerhans' cell histiocytosis was diagnosed at the right mandible and was surgically treated. One year later he developed a further painful osteolytic hip lesion and a single zoledronate infusion eliminated all symptoms. We highlight the importance of obtaining a histological diagnosis before initiating treatment, and the distinctive course of the disease in a patient who continued to growth besides GH deficiency.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Delayed Diagnosis
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / diagnosis
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Young Adult