Purpose: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease with annual paediatric incidence of 2–5 cases per million per year. We report a case of LCH with gastrointestinal involvement. Methods: Retrospective analysis was done of a case presenting with bloody diarrhoea, vomiting and failure to thrive, diagnosed to be LCH and successfully treated. Results: 1 year 10 months old female child, product of non consanguineous marriage presented with relapsing course of loose motions (bloody in later course), vomiting (non bilious) and failure to thrive for 3 months, and fever with pedal edema for 1 month. There was no history of rash, jaundice, dermatitis, ear infection joint swelling or contact with Koch's. On physical examination child was malnourished (weight 8 Kg i.e. < 5 th percentile, height 83 cm i.e.25th percentile), had pallor, pedal edema and hepatosplenomegaly (liver 6 cm and spleen 2 cm below costal margin). Investigations revealed anaemia (Hb-8.7 gm/dl), deranged LFT (SGOT 57 IU/dl, SGPT 48 IU/dl, S.protein/albumin 3.1/1.5, triglycerides 909 mg/dl). Stool microscopy showed 25–30 pus cells, with mucus and RBCs. Mantoux test, Elisa for tuberculosis, immunoglobulin profile, HIV status, ANA, p-ANCA, were negative. Bone scan, chest x ray and skeletal survey were also negative. CT scan abdomen had hepatomegaly with small bowel edema. Liver biopsy showed marked steatosis. Repeated endoscopy showed duodenal ulcers and oedematous, friable colonic mucosa. Biopsy was suggestive of duodenal ulcers, chronic cryptitis with non-specific inflammation infiltrate, no inclusions granuloma/AFB. Barium meal follow through showed duodenal ulcer and segmental jejunal dilatations. Antisachromysis antibodies (ASCA) (IgA and IgG were positive). Thus in view of clinical symptoms, ASCA positivity (98% specificity) and endoscopic findings a diagnosis of CD was made. Patient showed improvement after onset of mesalamine and I/v methylprednisolone therapy. However persistent hepatosplenomegaly was unexplainable and suspicious and third biopsy of duodenal ulcer and colonic mucosa unveiled the mystery. Presence of cryptitis, inflammatory exudates and histiocytes (positive staining for S100 protein, CV 68 negative) was diagnostic of LCH. A bone marrow biopsy done thereafter showed infiltration by histiocytes. Patient responded to chemotherapy (LCH -II protocol for 1 year) and repeat endoscopy and bone marrow after chemotherapy was unremarkable. She's doing well presently on a follow up of 12 months post chemotherapy. Conclusion: Thus though the child was diagnosed as CD and even responded to treatment, a high index of suspicion due to persistent hepatosplenomegaly was the key factor leading to diagnosis of LCH with rare presentation with GIT symptoms.
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