Imaging findings of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in limbs of children:comparison with clinical and pathological findings / 中华放射学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the imaging findings, clinical and pathological characteristics of langerhans cell histiocytosis(LCH)in limbs of children, and to improve the imaging diagnostic accuracy of LCH . Methods Imaging findings and clinical data of 12 patients with limbs LCH were analyzed retrospectively. X-ray examination was performed in 10 cases, while 9 cases underwent CT and 7 cases underwent MRI examination. All imaging findings were analyzed. Results Seven lesions were solitary, including 4 lesions in the tibia, 2 in the radius and 1in the ulna. Five cases had limbs lesion in multiple sites, which included 12 bone lesions in total, with 6 lesions in the femur, 3 in the humerus (1 case involved the epiphysis), 2 in the tibia and 1in the radius. The X-ray or CT images of the lesions showed osteolytic destruction and swelling of the bone, which was commonly associated with the reaction of periosteum. Eleven cases were with peripheral soft tissue swelling, and one case had soft tissue mass. The lesions showed low signal on T1WI and high signal or mixed signal on T2WI. Six cases were diagnosed as LCH at the first time and the other 6 cases were diagnosed as infectious lesions. Twelve cases were regularly followed up after the treatment, and the prognosis of the patients with single lesion was better. Conclusions LCH of limbs usually involves diaphyseal and metaphyseal bone. The imaging features include osteolytic destruction and swelling of the bone, with peripheral soft tissue swelling or mass of the soft tissue. Although LCH of limbs has some specific imaging features, it is difficult to differentiate it from malignant bone tumors. Multi-imaging modalities such as radiography, CT and MRI imaging may suggest the diagnosis and provide important information for evaluating prognosis.