Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Authors

  • Jesus Salim Buron Hernandez Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler Profesor del Instituto de Ciencias Basicas y Preclínicas Victoria de Girón
  • Martiniano Dionisio Hernández Isás Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler
  • Concepción Insua Arregui Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler

Keywords:

Histiocitosis; Histiocitosis de células de Langerhans; Células de Langerhans

Abstract

Introduction: Langerhans cell histiocytosis is a histiocytic disorder characterized by the proliferation of cells of the mononuclear phagocytic system across multiple organs and systems. It predominates in childhood, and the clinical manifestations are heterogeneous and non-specific; it can be localized or generalized. The definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy of the lesion, and therapy is based on anti-inflammatory and cytostatic drugs, but new therapeutic strategies have been developed.

Objective: To present a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a condition reported infrequently and with a guarded prognosis in pediatric patients.

Case presentation: This is an 8-month-old female infant with a history of COVID-19, severe anemia, and several admissions for repeated infections. On physical examination, eczematous, erythematous, scaly, and some exudative skin and scalp lesions, and hepatosplenomegaly. She was evaluated by a multidisciplinary team across several specialties, and a multisystem Langerhans cell histiocytosis was diagnosed based on the symptoms described above and a skin biopsy showing Langerhans cells positive for CD1a. Treatment was started with prednisone, vinblastine, citosar, intacglobin, and multiple antimicrobials. She was referred to the Institute of Hematology and Immunology to continue treatment; she remains stable with a guarded prognosis.

Conclusions: Langerhans cell histiocytosis is considered one of the most challenging diseases. Given its low incidence, clinical suspicion is important. It is a disease whose prognosis and outcome are determined by early diagnosis and subsequent timely treatment. It represents a good example of the importance of precision medicine.

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Author Biographies

Jesus Salim Buron Hernandez, Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler Profesor del Instituto de Ciencias Basicas y Preclínicas Victoria de Girón

Médico Especialista de Segundo Grado en Inmunología

Máster en Inmunología Básica

Profesor Auxiliar del Instituto de Ciencias Básicas y Preclínicas Victoria de Girón

Investigador Agregado

Martiniano Dionisio Hernández Isás, Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler

Médico especialista de Primer Grado en Medicina General Integral y Hematología.

Profesor Asistente del Hospital Pediátrico Docente William Soler Ledea

Concepción Insua Arregui, Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler

Médico especialista de Segundo Grado en Inmunología. Máster en Enfermedades Infecciosas y Bioética.

Profesor Auxiliar del Hospital Pediátrico Docente William Soler Ledea

Investigador Agregado.

Published

2026-10-10

How to Cite

1.
Buron Hernandez JS, Hernández Isás MD, Insua Arregui C. Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Rev Cubana Hematol Inmunol Hemoter [Internet]. 2026 Oct. 10 [cited 2026 Oct. 11];42:e2026. Available from: https://revhematologia.sld.cu/index.php/hih/article/view/2026

Issue

Section

INMUNOLOGÍA