Langerhans' Cell Histocytosis with Thyroid Involvement: Report of Six Cases and Literature Review

  Objective  To investigate the clinical characteristics of Langerhans' cell histocytosis (LCH) involving the thyroid gland.

  Methods  We reviewed 6 cases of histologically confirmed LCH with thyroid gland involvement in Peking Union Medical College Hospital in the period of January 2004 to December 2014 and analyzed their clinical menifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.

  Results  There were 4 males and 2 females in the 6 patients, whose ages of onset were 9-24 years with a mean age of (16.1±5.7) years. All the 6 cases had posterior pituitary involvement, 4 cases had lung involvement, and 3 cases had liver involvement. There were 4 cases with negative thyroid autoantibodies and 2 cases with positive thyroid autoantibodies. Four cases were pathologically confirmed by core-needle aspiration biopsy. Five cases were treated with chemotherapy. In the 4 cases followed up, 3 were in progress-free stable status.

  Conclusions  LCH with thyroid involvement should be considered in thyromegaly patients with multiple organs involvement. Thyroid aspiration, especially core-needle aspiration biopsy, is required to confirm pathological diagnosis if necessary. Special attention should be paid to detect liver involvement in patients with thyroid LCH.