Multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis: successful treatment with thalidomide.
A 57-year-old woman presented with a 1-year history of non-healing inguinal and perianal ulcers as well as a 2-year history of polydipsia. The clinical picture and histology suggested Langerhans cell histiocytosis, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed hypothalamic-pituitary axis involvement. Treatment was started with thalidomide and desmopressin. The skin lesions resolved over 2 months. Over the next 24 months of continued therapy, the cerebral involvement remained stable and the skin lesions did not recur.
Broekaert
Sigrid M C
SM
Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.
Metzler
Gisela
G
Burgdorf
Walter
W
Röcken
Martin
M
Schaller
Martin
M
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002493:Central Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006646:Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D013792:Thalidomide