Korean J Dermatol.  2010 Oct;48(10):893-897.

Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis That Improved with Oral Isotretinoin Therapy

• Choi JH
• Shim HC
• Kim JH
• Kim JB
• Shin MS
• Park H
• Lee JS
• Jo OJ
• Song KY

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a reactive disease in which abnormal Langerhans cells accumulate in various body sites. We report here on a 51-year-old male patient with LCH that was classified as single-system disease (restricted LCH). The skin lesions were a small, deep ulcer in the right inguinal area and multiple erythematous papules scattered on the lower abdomen, and the patient had these lesions for 1 year. The histopathologic examination revealed a dense histiocytic infiltration in the dermis, and most of the cells showed the characteristics of "LCH" cells. The immunohistochemistry for S-100 protein and CD1a complex all showed positive results. The patient was much improved after surgical excision of the inguinal ulcer and administering oral isotretinoin (20 mg daily) for 8 months, and there was no recurrence. We think retinoid is an effective treatment option for LCH, especially for single system disease.

Keyword

Isotretinoin; Langerhans cell histiocytosis

MeSH Terms

Abdomen
Dermis
Histiocytosis, Langerhans-Cell
Humans
Immunohistochemistry
Isotretinoin
Langerhans Cells
Male
Middle Aged
Recurrence
S100 Proteins
Skin
Ulcer
Isotretinoin
S100 Proteins