[Langerhans cell histiocytosis revealed by a temporomandibular joint disorder: Report of a case and review of the craniofacial expressions]. / Histiocytose langerhansienne révélée par un désordre de l'appareil manducateur : rapport d'un cas et revue de la littérature des atteintes crâniofaciales.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (HL) is a rare disease that can affect all tissues. Oral manifestations such as mucosal ulcer and tooth mobility are often the first signs of the disease. We report a rare case of mandibular condyle unifocal HL mimicking a temporomandibular joint disorder. CASE REPORT A 44-year-old patient presented with a left temporomandibular disorder with painful left preauricular swelling. The imaging assessment found a bone lesion of the left mandibular condyle. A curettage with biopsy was used to diagnose HL. Six months later, the patient had no more pain. DISCUSSION: The craniofacial clinical expressions of HL mainly concern the bones, which can cause pain, swelling, fracture, compression of noble organs. The other sites are oral cavity, skin, lymph nodes, or eyes. Isolated forms are generally benign, and their treatment is discussed between abstention and non-aggressive surgery.