Skeletal involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis

Abstract

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) represents a disorder characterised by an abnormal accumulation of histiocytes in miscellaneous tissues. The bone is commonly affected, especially the flat bones, the spine and the long bones. Some lesions in children such as a “vertebra plana” or a solitary lytic lesion of the skull may be suggestive for LCH, whereas others can be confused with a malignant tumour or osteomyelitis. This pictorial essay presents the main usual and unusual skeletal manifestations observed in LCH.