Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder characterized by the proliferation of Langerhans cells, a type of dendritic cell essential for immune response. While LCH predominantly affects children, its manifestation in adults, especially within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, is exceedingly rare. We present a unique case of a 56-year-old female with rare GI manifestations of LCH. The patient initially noticed pimple-like lesions around her anal orifice, which evolved into prominent protruding lesions over 3 months. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed multiple ulcers in the colorectal area, particularly concentrated in the sigmoid colon. Histopathological examination of biopsy samples, combined with immunohistochemical staining, confirmed the diagnosis of LCH. This case underscores the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach, especially when patients are present with atypical symptoms. The current literature suggests that such GI manifestations of LCH in adults are infrequent, making this case a valuable contribution to the understanding of LCH's clinical spectrum.
Keywords: Langerhans cell; colorectal multiulcerative; gastrointestinal; histiocytosis.
A rare case of a digestive system disorder in an adult featuring unusual bumps and ulcers Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is an uncommon disease where certain immune cells, called Langerhans cells, grow more than they should. This disease is mostly seen in children, but it’s very rare in adults, especially affecting the digestive tract. We discuss the case of a 56-year-old woman who had unusual symptoms, including bump-like lesions around the opening of her anus that turned into larger, protruding bumps over three months. She also had multiple ulcers, mainly in the lower part of her large intestine. A detailed examination of tissue samples from her digestive tract confirmed that she had LCH. This case highlights the need for thorough medical evaluations when adults have unusual symptoms in their digestive system. The findings from this case add to the limited information we have about how LCH can appear in adults, particularly in the digestive system.
© The Author(s), 2024.