Pericardial Effusion in Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Case Report.
BACKGROUND
Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a proliferative disorder of histiocytes in multiple organs. Langerhans cell histiocytosis involves bones, skin, lung and other organs.


METHODS
This study describes a seven-month-old Iranian girl who presented with skin rash and cervical lymphadenopathy. Langerhans cell histiocytosis was suspected when it was associated with anemia, splenomegaly and lytic bone lesions. A skin biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. During hospitalization, the patient looked ill with respiratory distress. A chest X-ray showed a ground glass view, and echocardiography showed moderate pericardial effusion.


CONCLUSIONS
Pericardial effusion was a rare finding in this case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Pericardial effusion in Langerhans cell histiocytosis, which is an unusual presentation, should be considered when the patient experiences respiratory distress.
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran.
Narges
N
Gholami
Histiocytosis; Infant; Langerhans Cell; Pericardial Effusion