Langerhans cell histiocytosis in the elderly: a report of three cases.
Langerhans cell histiocytosis is most common in children and is unusual in the elderly. We describe 3 cases of langerhans cell histiocytosis limited to the skin in elderly patients. Biopsy specimens showed a dermal infiltrate abutting the epidermis composed of atypical langerhans cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and a "kidney-shaped" nucleus. Immunoperoxidase stain CD1a was positive in all 3 cases and S-100 stain was positive in 2. Electron microscopy revealed Birbeck granules in the cytoplasm of the atypical langerhans cells in 2 cases. Langerhans cell histiocytosis with skin involvement has a chronic course with an overall good prognosis. However, cutaneous manifestations may precede systemic involvement by many years.
Department of Dermatology, Boston University Medical Center, Massachusetts 02118, USA.
C M
CM
Stefanato
W K
WK
Andersen
E
E
Calonje
F A
FA
Swain
S
S
Borghi
L
L
Massone
J V
JV
Kowalski
J
J
Bhawan
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006644:Histiocytes / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006646:Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*