MRI features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis in central nervous system in children

Abstract

Objective To explore the MRI features of Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) in central nervous system (CNS) in children. Methods Clinical and MRI data of 25 cases with LCH in CNS from three children's hospitals between January 2009 and December 2014 were retrospectively studied. All cases were confirmed by surgery or biopsy. All cases underwent non-contrast and contrast pituitary and/or cranial MRI examinations. The location, morphology, MRI signal and enhanced patterns of LCH lesions were observed and analyzed. Result A total of 17 cases had hypothalamic-pituitary LCH, with 2 of them complicated with pineal cyst, 2 complicated with brain parenchymal lesions, and one complicated with both pineal cyst and brain parenchymal lesions. MR images showed that neurohypophysis lost its original hyper-intensity on T1WI, and nodular or homogeneous thickening was seen in the pituitary stalks. Dura matter was involved in 3 cases, 2 of them had single lesion, and the other one got multiple lesions. Neoplasm in choroid plexus was seen in trigone of left lateral ventricles in one case. Three cases with pineal gland involved demonstrated cystic change. Four cases had gray matter involved, with cerebellar dentate nuclei involvement in 2 cases, and both thalamus and basal ganglia involvement in the other two cases. Three cases showed white matter involvement without obvious Virchow-Robin space enlargement and brain atrophy. Conclusions MR imaging of LCH in CNS shows certain specific characteristics. The diagnosis can be made comprehensively based on both clinic features and other imaging findings. Key words: Histiocytosis, Langerhans-cell; Magnetic resonance imaging; Diabetes insipidus, neurogenic