Ultrastructural observation of Charcot-Leyden crystals in mechlorethamine-treated cutaneous lesions of histiocytosis X

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1986 Mar;14(3):483-6. doi: 10.1016/s0190-9622(86)70062-5.

Abstract

We were recently able to observe, by electron microscopy, Charcot-Leyden crystals in the cutaneous lesions of histiocytosis X (Letterer-Siwe disease) that had been treated by local applications of mechlorethamine. The occurrence of Charcot-Leyden crystals in skin lesions is infrequent; so far, these structures have been observed only in cases of facial (Lever's) eosinophilic granuloma and in incontinentia pigmenti. Although Charcot-Leyden crystals can at times be formed spontaneously in tissue lesions, the possibility that their formation was favored by the local action of mechlorethamine is considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Crystallization
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / drug therapy*
  • Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / pathology
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Mechlorethamine / therapeutic use*
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Skin / ultrastructure*

Substances

  • Mechlorethamine