Histiocytosis X of the vulva: a case report and review of the literature

Obstet Gynecol. 1990 Mar;75(3 Pt 2):555-8.

Abstract

Histiocytosis X of the female genital tract is unusual. Thirty-two cases have been reported to date in the world literature. An additional case is reported herein, presenting as a vulvar ulcer in a 2.5-year-old child with osteolytic lesions of the skull, splenomegaly, and otitis media. The diagnosis of histiocytosis X may be established by identifying the Langerhans histiocyte, characterized by nuclear grooves, immunoreactivity for S-100 protein, and pentalamellar cytoplasmic structures seen by electron microscopy. Prognosis is difficult to determine with certainty. However, age of less than 2 years at presentation, multi-organ involvement, and/or organ dysfunction appear to be associated with a less favorable prognosis. The patient presented herein is currently receiving vinblastine chemotherapy for recurrence of disease, manifested as an osteolytic lesion in the skull.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Diseases / pathology
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell* / diagnosis
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell* / pathology
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Vulvar Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Vulvar Diseases* / pathology
  • Vulvar Diseases* / therapy