HISTIOCYTOSIS-X (LANGERHANS CELL HISTIOCYTOSIS) - PROGNOSTIC ROLE OF HISTOPATHOLOGY

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 107  (2) , 59-63
Abstract
Histocytosis X (HX) follows a variable course, from the self-limited eosinophilic granuloma (EG) to the aggressive disseminated disease in infants. Some classifications place EG in a well-differentiated category and the disseminated infantile form in a morphologically atypical group. Criteria for determining prognosis from biopsy material have not received widespread acceptance. Cases (51) of HX were retrospectively reviewed, emphasizing the cytological atypia and mitotic activity of the Langerhans'' histiocytes as well as the presence of other parameters. Ten patients died. Clinical outcome could not be predicted from the histopathologic findings. Some cases of EG showed mild atypia and high proliferative rates, while some fatal disseminted cases had a bland appearance. Prognosis is best predicted by clinical paramters. Apparently, HX is a reactive, nonneoplastic proliferation of the Langerhans'' cells.