Fine‐needle aspiration biopsy of langerhans histiocytosis (histiocytosis‐x)

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Abstract
A series of 14 fine‐needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) from histologically proven cases of histiocytosis‐x (Hx) were renewed. The smears revealed a variable mixture of Langerhan cells, eosinophils, macrophages, polymorphonuclear cells, and giant cells. Based on the predominant cells present, the cases were further categorized as Langerhan cell predominant (nine cases), eosinophil predominant (two cases), and macrophage predominant (three cases). Langerhan cells were usually polygonal without significant evidence of phagocytosis and frequently contained indented nuclei. In three cases, several Langerhan cells showed prominent dendritic processes. Electron microscopy in 10 cases revealed Langerhan cells with varying degrees of morphologic differentiation. All cases studied revealed Birbeck granules. These findings indicate that FNAB may be an effective technique for diagnosing Hx.