title: Spontaneous remission of multi-system histiocytosis X.
abstract: Two infants presented with biopsy-proven histiocytosis X affecting multiple sites. Since neither showed evidence of organ failure or of constitutional upset, no specific therapy was given. In each case there was long-lasting spontaneous regression of disease. Analysis of blood mononuclear cells revealed a raised T4:T8 (helper:suppressor T lymphocyte) ratio at diagnosis but a normal ratio during remission. These observations support the argument that multi-system histiocytosis X, even in infants (Letterer-Siwe disease), is not a malignancy and that an "expectant" treatment policy may be indicated in selected patients.
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006646:Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008168:Lung / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D008170:Lung Compliance; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology