Adult Multisystem Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis with Gastrointestinal Presentation: A Case Report

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a rare histiocytic disorder, characterised by histiocyte infiltration of the body organ. Although this disease has been diagnosed in all age groups, it is most common in children from one to three years old. The LCH patients may vary in presentation depending upon the sites and extent of involvement. The disease is limited to one organ system in approximately 55% of patients while the remainder presents with multisystem disease. Gastrointestinal involvement of Langerhans cell histiocytosis is even rarer. The majority of gastrointestinal Langerhans cell histiocytosis are from paediatric cases. We present a case of a 69-year old female who had presented with chronic diarrhoea for a three month duration, associated with a significant weight loss. Clinical examination and biochemical tests ruled out thyrotoxicosis. Colonoscopy showed mild to moderate pancolitis. Histopathological examination of the colonic mucosa confirmed Langerhans cell histiocytosis.